The Omnibus

Issue date: 11/4/04 Section: News

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Southwest Baptist University recently held its annual Fall Visitation Day Saturday, Oct. 30. Prospective students, parents and families from Missouri and other states traveled to Bolivar to see the SBU campus and what it has to offer.

According to Dr. Stephanie Miller, Vice President of Enrollment Management, "This is our one time to show off our school to a large group of people. Of course, we always have those tours on a personal basis, but Fall Visitation Day is designed for groups of students."

The day started off with registration in the Goodson Student Union. Visitors were then directed to Pike Auditorium for a welcome from Miller and a prayer led by SBU Provost Dr. Gordon Dutile.

At the welcoming session, Dr. Steve Henderson gave a presentation entitled "Why Choose a Christian College?"

"Dr. Henderson is the expert on research of students who are raised in a Christian home, and what happens to them when they choose a secular college over a Christian college," Miller said.

Darren Crowder, director of admissions, completed the welcoming session by giving an overview of the day's activities.

Following the session, students and parents were able to visit and dine with SBU faculty at the "Meet the Faculty" brunch. Those involved in planning the brunch felt it was a helpful experience.

"The brunch was a highlight of the day and a huge success," Miller said.

After the brunch, visitors went back to Pike where SBU's college deans gave a presentation entitled, "Integrating Faith and Learning."

From 1-2 p.m., students and parents attended an information fair in the Meyer Wellness and Sports Center to help prospective students learn more about various social and service opportunities.

Memorial, Maupin, Landen, Woody-Gott, Plaster and Meyer Halls were among the dorms represented at the fair. Other organizations and clubs present included Omnibus, SIFE, SBU / St. John's College of Nursing and the department of physical therapy.

After the fair, a seminar concerning admission and financial assistance was given. The day concluded with campus tours, given by SBU students.

"The day was a huge success." Miller said. "One of the best in several years."

Total figures indicate that 302 visitors came to campus. Of those, 107 were prospective students.

"The 107 prospective students, some of which are prospects and some of which are applicants, were more than we expected, and the total figures are some of the highest figures in recent years," Miller said.

Miller added that SBU took a different approach in planning the event this year. "Though there is a lot SBU has to offer, the main product is its academic component," she said. "We wanted to highlight the academic area and show possible students how SBU differs from other schools. We also wanted to show how SBU integrates faith and learning in the classroom."

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