Selecting the right college can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. Today, prospective students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of the University while attending afternoon activities.
Co-sponsored by the Office of Admissions and Student Orientation Programs, Duck Days is a series of spring recruitment events that cater to juniors and seniors in high school and transfer students. Student Orientation Programs Director Cora Bennett said these events make the college selection process a bit easier for prospective students because they offer students a chance to “feel out” the University and ask personal questions.
Bennett expects today’s event to draw an increased number of students from last week’s Duck Day.
“As it gets closer to May’s college decision-making period and with spring break hovering, we anticipate increases in student attendance,” she said.
Roughly 193 students are expected to attend the events.
“If people show up the day of we say, ‘The more the merrier.’ We ask them to register but it is not required,” Bennett said.
Among the volunteers for the event are freshman University students Genevieve Thompson and Rachel Reynolds.
“At Duck Days, people get excited about things that differentiate Oregon from other places,” Thompson said.
Reynolds and Thompson agreed that parents who attend Duck Days are typically as excited, if not more excited, than their kids who are considering the University.
There are five Friday afternoon Duck Days this spring. Each includes a student services and activity fair, break out sessions specifically geared for high school juniors and seniors and transfer students, a walking tour of campus and an academic interest session.
Reynolds and Thompson said spring is an ideal time for Duck Days.
“If prospective students come in the spring, it’s beautiful. It’s a great environment – rainy at times, but a good taste of Oregon,” Reynolds said.