What do the dorm rooms really look like inside?

What majors are offered at Eastern?

Prospective students and parents toured the university Friday to get answers.

“I want to get a better feel about the campus life,” said perspective student Kellie Blackwood during her tour.

She came to Eastern with the idea that a mid-sized campus would make for an easy transition from high school.

Blackwood thought a tour would help her decide if she liked the size of the campus or if she would prefer a larger school. She said she was also interested in finding out more about the majors offered at Eastern.

Blackwood plans to apply to Eastern for the fall semester and said she initially considered the university because it is close to her home and because state schools are “cheap.”

Campus visits are one of the most important decision makers for prospective students said events coordinator for the Office of Admissions, Karenlee Spencer. That’s part of the reason Eastern holds open houses throughout the year.

Open houses are held in July, October, November, February and April. Each open house includes a variety of sessions, which include informationals on financial aid, housing, academic life and a student panel.

Questions about majors and minors offered, support services, Greek life and the 150 registered student organizations on campus can also be answered.

“In one day, we try to show them everything that is available at Eastern,” Spencer said.

Incoming freshman Alexia Todd said she chose Eastern because it was close to home.She also attended the July open house.

“I want to learn about the campus a bit more today,” she said. “This is like a rough draft of Eastern, of how to get around, to get to know people, and get comfortable with the environment.”

Open houses are planned eight weeks in advance.

“After cancellations, we like to see 500 students here,” Spencer said. “With family and guests, we might have 1,500-1,800 people attend each open house.”

In the summer, the numbers are lower. Instead of 500 students there are approximately 350, Spencer said.

The majority of students who attend the open houses are seniors in high school, but juniors and transfer students also attend.

Quiana Stone, complex director for Carmen Hall, helped run one of the informational booths at the July open house.

“Here, they can get information on how to apply for housing, different amenities, and ask general questions that students and parents might have while considering Eastern and living in our facilities,” Stone said.

She said she hopes that after their visits, students will see themselves as part of the Eastern community.

Logan Bute plans to apply to Eastern for the fall semester.

“Today, I want more information about programs that I wish to pursue and to just get the general atmosphere of Eastern,” Bute said.

Ashlei Maltman can be reached at 581-7942 or at anmaltman@eiu.edu.