29th August 2000 is set to be another “1st” in the history of the University of Aberdeen when we hold our first pre-application Open Day.
But there are even bigger numbers involved. The Open Day will involve 2000 visitors, 40 departments, 300 members of staff, 100 student ambassadors, 10 clubs and societies, 105 talks, 92 campus tours, 60 venues, 40 buses transporting people to and from events, 35 demonstrations, 6 updates from Deans for parents, one celebrity chef – Clarissa Dickson Wright, and one horse – for an equine science demonstration.
Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions Services, Lori Manders, said: “This is going to be an Open Day with a difference. Come along and get a taste of university life. There is no need to book – just come along to the University on the 29th of August and experience it!”
A comprehensive programme has been arranged to introduce potential students and their parents to the University. There will be a series of presentations, department activities, exhibitions, demonstrations, and campus tours - in fact, a chance to get a real taste of university life. Tours of the city will also be available.
Some of the presentations will include Computing Science giving a taster of its brand-new first year courses featuring website building and Internet programming, Geology’s “Very VERY Antiques Roadshow”, and the famous “Flashes and Bangs Lectures” from Chemistry.
100 student ambassadors will be on hand to make the day a memorable one. All of the Ambassadors are students at the University of Aberdeen and they will be able to guide visitors, answer their questions, tell them about the campus and generally make them feel welcome.
The 2000 visitors are being invited to stay overnight and attend a party on the evening of 28 August. Visitors will be split into groups and assigned to a Student Ambassador who will stay with them for the evening. Everyone will be invited to a party at the Students’ Union.
Mrs Manders continued: “Information on the Open Day has gone to all the schools throughout Scotland and we hope that as many prospective students, their parents and guidance teachers as possible will come along and find out what we have to offer.
“As well as the 40 Departments, 10 of the Student Clubs and Societies will also be giving demonstrations throughout the day. For example, our oldest society, the Debating Society, will be debating in the King’s College Conference Centre for one hour from 1.00pm.
“In addition, our Rector, Clarissa Dickson Wright, will be giving some of the welcome speeches during the morning and will be demonstrating how to cook on a budget from 2.15 – 3.15pm in the Arts Lecture Theatre.”
Further information from:
University Press Office on telephone +44 (0)1224-273778 or email a.ramsay@admin.abdn.ac.uk.