BY KATIE MISURACA // Every year, Hood College hosts multiple events for prospective students who are looking into Hood.
However, this semester Hood will be only hosting one Admitted Students Day, raising concerns of students and faculty.

Terry Whittum, vice president for Enrollment Management at Hood College, made the decision to host only one Admitted Student Day due to his experience stating, “Quality is better than quantity.”

Admitted Students Day gives students who have been accepted into Hood the opportunity to learn more about what it means to be a part of the Hood tradition. During this event, students will have an opportunity to attend two classes, attend a showcase of student clubs and organizations, take an inside look at the campus and residence halls and meet with faculty members.

“One large program, perhaps with as many 700 total visitors, will generate a level of excitement that will appeal to prospective student, Whittum said. “Students visit that day and see over 300 other students and their parents on campus they will have validation that their decision to attend Hood College was the right decision,” Whittum continued.

Lydia Emory, sophomore at Hood College, is a Star who is student ambassador who offer daily campus tours and help incoming students understand Hood better. “This is the first time that Hood is having one Admitted Students Day, in previous years there have been two. We [Hood] will be expecting a lot of students and as a Star it will be a very busy day,” Emory stated.

Many faculty members seem to be worried that Hood isn’t going to get enough incoming freshman this upcoming school year. However, Whittum believes this single event will be one of the most significant things that Hood can do to improve the percentage
of admitted students who enrolled. “Rather than a smaller class, all indicators are that we will enroll a larger class, over 300 new freshmen, and that the academic profile of this class will improve,” Whittum said.

Coleen Yazurlo, assistant director of Admission at Hood, says that most schools only have one Admitted Students Day. The reason why Hood only has had two in the past is because of space issues.  “However, with the new gym, we have come to realize that there is space on campus for larger gatherings,” she said. “We have also re-worked the ASD event to make it more of a this is how life will be once you are a student at Hood type of event, which we think will aid students in making their college decision,” Yazurlo said.

Even though Hood is changing how it does events, there will be one new event: an Admitted Students Reception off campus.  This event will allow students and their families a chance to meet with Hood students, faculty, and alumni in a location that is closer to their home. “This will be helpful for students who cannot make it to campus as easily as others,” Yazurlo said.
In addition to this event, Admissions will be offering daily tours as well as tours and information sessions every other Saturday.  “In addition to campus tours, students can also participate in a “Blazer for a Day” visits, where students have the opportunity to sit it on a class and eat lunch in the dining hall.  While students are in their class, their parents can meet with financial aid and/or the career center.  There are also overnight visits to campus Monday through Thursday,” Yazurlo stated.

The Admissions offices at Hood are trying to make a greater impact for incoming and currents students. They are trying to “start over” with trying to start traditions and even change current traditions Hood already has.