High school students were recently invited to visit the Newman campus to give them a feel for what a future at the university might be like.
The Newman University admissions team hosted a traditional “Preview Day” on Saturday, Nov. 4, which started with a light breakfast and welcome in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center.
Each year, the admissions department hosts several campus visit events like Preview Day to encourage students who are exploring their futures in higher education to see what life at Newman might be like for them.
Visitors were given all the basics of what campus life is like during a Q&A session with current Jets.
Discussions about dorm life, fees, meal plans and academic programs gave visitors an inside look at the day-to-day activities at Newman.
Vice President for Enrollment Management Norm Jones talked about making sure no matter where they end up pursuing higher education, that they do it at a university that is a good fit for them.
“Go where it’s the best fit,” Jones said. “Not where you get the most money. It’s all about finding the right fit. Those who fit at Newman soar when they are here.”
Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Jill Fort was invited to talk about what sets Newman apart. She filled the audience in on the numerous amount of ways to get involved on campus, including campus clubs, the Campus Activities Board and Student Government Association.
Fort also filled them in on the most popular event — “Jet Friday” — a chance to don some favorite Newman gear and socialize with classmates, staff and faculty while enjoying free doughnuts and coffee in the student center.
Everyone was invited to enjoy lunch at Mabee Dining Hall and to also visit Eck Hall where individual academic programs had representatives ready and waiting at tables to talk with students and their families and to answer any questions they had.
Tours of the new Bishop Gerber Science Center were also a big hit of the day, especially for those students who are dreaming of a future in science.
Savannah Wynne, who drove up from Texas for Preview Day, has already been accepted to Newman and is looking forward to studying to become a nurse. This is her second time visiting Newman — the first was for a nursing convention hosted on campus.
Wynne’s mother, a nurse in her Texas hometown, said the stellar pass rates on the NCLEX (National Licensure Examination) were what impressed her about Newman.
“Since I am a nurse,” Wynne’s mother explained, “the question regarding that pass rate is what I wanted her to come home with. That’s very important when searching for a nursing program.”
Savannah Wynne said, “I’ve always wanted to help people, and my high school offers a nursing academy. That’s when I decided it’s what I want to do as a career.”
Tricia Winslow from Wichita South High School is thinking about studying either pre-law are pre-med.
“I’m here today because I want to learn more about Newman. It’s close to home and it’s one of my top five college choices. If I decide to do pre-law, I want to be a lawyer or judge. With pre-med, I want to be a cardiologist,” Winslow said.
Winslow said her mom is her main source of encouragement and motivation to go after her dreams. No matter what she chooses as a career, Winslow said she also wants to be part of youth ministry in the church.
“Even though I’m undecided on my major, I’m hoping to get some clarification today during my visit and learn more about each of the programs.”
For more information about visiting Newman University, call the admissions office at (316) 942-4291, ext. 2144 or email [email protected].
