Nearly 3,700 students from seven states and approximately 50 high schools traveled to Grambling State University to participate in the 32nd Annual High School/Transfer Day on Saturday.The students received meals, game tickets and t-shirts and toured the campus and attended an event in the Frederick. C. Hobdy Assembly Center.
At this event students received advice and information from GSU President Frank Pogue, Dr. Connie Walton Clement, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs and Vice President of Enrollment Management and Retention, Dr. Paul Bryant.
Students met student leaders such as Student Government Association President Lamrk Hughes and his staff and Solange N. Sayers, Miss Grambling State University.
Also, visitors were given a taste of student life at GSU via performances by Strong Tower Gospel Chorale, the Tiger Marching Band and Orchesis Dance Company, Black Dynasty Modeling Troupe, GSU cheerleaders and Sumthin’ Serious, a dance group.
In order for students to receive information about their majors, admissions criteria, financial aid and the registration process, there was an academic department browsing area that included various booths. The day ended with students attending the football game.
Fonda Chapman, a GSU alumna and member of the Douglas L. Williams alumni chapter in Houston has been brining prospective students to the university for the last 15 years. This year her chapter brought 83 students and 29 chaperones.
She said, “Grambling is my alma mater. I love my school. This is a great opportunity for the students in Texas to see our university and what we have to offer in the state of Louisiana.”
She said GSU is a small school, but a big name brand.
“If you want one-on-one attention, Grambling is a great place to be,” she said. “Students were very excited.”
Ce’Mon Emanuel, a senior at Northshore High School in Houston said
High School Day was a lot of fun and informative.
Emanuel received information about the nursing program. She is finishing high school early and would like to enroll at GSU during Spring 2011.
“I liked the way everyone made me feel comfortable. I feel that once I get there, it will feel like I have been there for a while. I know some people who attend the school, and they told me that they really like it,” she said.
This event was sponsored by GSU’s Office of Enrollment Management and Retention.
Personnel from Admissions and Recruitment, Registrar’s Office, the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, Office of Academic Support and Special Programs, Office of Retention, and Student Success all worked to make High School Day a success.
Bryant said High School Day is an opportunity for students interested in Grambling to see the campus. It is the university’s open house.
“We opened High School Day to many more students by making the event free, since these are not the best of economic times. We opened our doors to students considering Grambling State University and their families, so they can see what we have to offer,” said Bryant.
Registrar Patricia Hutcherson said the turnout was massive, and people were asking about admissions criteria and the streamlining registration process.
“We distributed information to counselors, chaperones and sponsors.
The alumni were looking for innovative ways to assist and see how they can get additional information for the students,” she said.
Interim Admissions and Recruitment Director Jimmy Washington said this event is one of the best recruitment tools.
“Instead of bringing the university to the students, we brought the student to the university. High School Day is increasing. More and more students are looking at colleges such as Grambling.
High School Day is truly an indication that recruitment is everybody’s business at Grambling State University.