Open House 2021 welcomed future students in person and online
Participants had the opportunity to tour campus and learn about student services and programs
Oct. 30 was an exciting day at Mount Royal as approximately 1,000 in-person guests were welcomed to campus for this year’s Open House, the University’s foremost prospective student event.
The day focused on highlighting MRU’s degree, diploma and select certificate programs, and provided an introduction to the University’s history, services and many available supports. Prospective students were also led through the admission and application processes.
“The ability to welcome people to campus is the absolute best part of Open House,” says director of Admissions and Recruitment Shea Ellingham.
“Although it wasn’t possible to host a large-scale, in-person event this year, we were pleased to be able to welcome visitors to our campus.”
Faculty, staff, alumni and current students from a range of MRU areas were pre-recorded speaking about their area of expertise. These information session videos were played on a continuous loop throughout the day in select classrooms to comply with in-person gathering limits.
“We received great support from our campus stakeholders to assemble a lineup of recorded sessions that provides a great overview of our program offerings at Mount Royal,” Ellingham says. “The best part of having these sessions on demand is that prospective students can explore a number of options throughout the year as their interests evolve.”
One of MRU’s most attractive draws is the campus itself. This year guests were able to view MRU’s buildings, gardens and amenities (while led by a tour guide), discovering all corners of campus and getting a first-hand look at student life at MRU.
“We were thrilled to be able to provide campus tours and highlight the aspects of our community that make us unique in the post-secondary landscape,” Ellingham says.
As prospective students completed their Open House experience they were asked to fill out a survey (if they wished) to rate their experience and potentially win a $500 gift card from the Cougars Campus Store to be put towards their textbooks.
The feedback for the event was extremely positive.
“The Open House was well-planned. There were a lot of opportunities and information, which was nice because some things are still hard and limited with COVID,” said one.
“I registered myself for Open House but was not able to attend as I have classes on weekends. I watched the YouTube videos and all the information I wanted to know was very well explained,” said another.
Mount Royal provides students with the opportunity to engage with a close-knit community of scholars and professionals who are dedicated to an exceptional educational experience.
“Our variety of programs provide today's learners with the ability to acquire the necessary skills that will meet the needs of our changing world,” Ellingham says.
Open House guests were required to check in upon arrival, provide proof of vaccination, proof of a negative COVID-19 test within the past 72 hours or a valid medical exemption.
Nov. 1, 2021 — Rob Petrollini