Open house opens doors for new college students
By Michelle Rideau
The Open House of Delaware Technical Community College offered plenty of resources to students and the local community in the Student Services Center on March 12.
The two-hour event allowed potential students to gather information about programs and talk directly with academic advisers. Attendees can also submit a free application to the school.
The Owens Campus hosts an Open House in the Fall and Spring semester to bring as much awareness as possible to local students.
Dean of Student Affairs Melissa Rakes said she hopes the event will educate and get prospective students interested in attending Delaware Tech. The goal is that they will learn the programs that are offered and draw a conclusion about their career goals.
Rakes said Delaware Tech offers something for all students to help them become successful. She said the resources, services, and people who will connect to students and guide them through the processes are essential strengths of the community college.
“We have programs that fit a variety of different personalities, skills, interests, and abilities, so something for everyone,” she said.
Academic Counselor Jeff Visalli said he wants visitors to know Delaware Tech supplies opportunities to further their education. He hopes the information will also help visitors find a program that best suits their interests.
“We have to help them pursue the goals they want to achieve,” he said.
At Open House events Visalli guides attendees to an academic adviser and resources they can use, whether it’s financial aid or academic. He said the majority of those who attend are high school seniors; however, everyone is welcome.
“We want any student who wants that opportunity to be able to come in and visit,” he said.
Indian River High School Senior Emily Goodwin said Delaware Tech is her first choice to study nursing because it offers the SEED scholarship and financial aid. Since nursing runs in the family, she said she wanted to follow in the family footsteps.
“I’ve learned that I have to take a lot of courses to apply to the nursing program,” she said.
The high school senior is currently in ROTC and likes the discipline that it provides. She encourages students to start looking for programs and colleges early and “stick with their dream.”
“Don’t give up,” Goodwin said.
