The Daily Bulletin Archive

By Tony Astran

Buffalo State is in the midst of Class Visit Day, a program designed to give admitted students a taste of academic life on campus and encourage them to enroll this fall. The program, which began yesterday and runs through Friday, is coordinated by the Admissions Office.

As many as 50 prospective students will be on campus each day. The program provides a welcome discussion, an opportunity to attend a 9:00 or 9:25 a.m. class, and a campus tour led by student ambassadors. At least two-thirds of students who attend the program enroll at Buffalo State, said Kenneth Robinson, admissions assistant and Class Visit Day coordinator.

“The program offers students unique insights,” he said. “By attending a class, they can see what it’s like to be a Buffalo State student. It’s a real-life experience, and they’ll see the personal attention they can receive with a small student-to-teacher ratio.”

“They’ll also see the quality of our professors,” added Carmela Thompson, director of admissions.

About 20 classes are available for students to attend throughout the three-day period. Some faculty members have made sections available at other times for students who cannot arrive in the morning or seek a more specialized experience.

Robinson assumed coordination of Class Visit Day in 2006 and said the program has since grown from about 60 students to 150. He said this year’s program is the most collaborative in history, with the Alumni Affairs Office, Barnes & Noble at Buffalo State Bookstore, and Campus Dining Services helping out by donating raffle items. In addition, the Parking Services Office has reserved part of Lot M-1 and is providing shuttle service for guests.

This year’s Class Visit Day also features a panel discussion for parents. While students are attending classes, representatives from the Career Development Center, the Financial Aid Office, the Residence Life Office, University College, and the University Police Department will discuss their respective areas and answer questions.

Class Visit Day is one of many components intended to increase student yield for Buffalo State. Other events include Spring Open House, Saturday campus visits, presentations to high school counselors, and off-site receptions and visits by admissions counselors. In addition, a luncheon for admitted students who were offered scholarships will take place this Saturday at the Burchfield Penney Art Center at Buffalo State College.