University Welcomes Over 2,000 Visitors to Campus for Preview Day

After months, or possibly years, of college visits, applications and comparisons, prospective students, with help from their families, prepare to make a final decision as to where they will spend their undergraduate years. This past Saturday, The University of Scranton welcomed over 2,000 visitors to campus for the next step on that journey.

“At this stage in the prospective student journey, accepted students are narrowing their final choice down to Scranton and one or two other top contenders. They are looking for confirmation from campus community members outside of admissions about what Scranton is really like to ensure they are making the right decision. They are tired of hearing from admissions at this point!” said Shannon A. Zottola, vice president for enrollment management at the University.  

“Engagement at Preview Day with faculty and staff provides them with a chance to ask in-depth questions about their academic program, support services and outcomes. By interacting with current students, accepted students can get a glimpse into the social aspects of campus life and help them feel more assured they will fit in here and make friends.”

Attendees from 361 high schools and12 states, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Illinois, Florida, Delaware and Connecticut, took the opportunity to venture to Northeast Pennsylvania and participate in the University’s Preview Day for accepted students, according to Melissa Ketten '05, G'09, associate director of admissions.

Campus tours, personal meetings with financial aid specialists, department visits and expert panels featuring faculty, staff, current students were part of the day’s offerings. Another session, “The Student Experience” invited attendees to meet with representatives from student activities/services, programs of excellence, study abroad, ROTC and more in the Byron Recreation Complex.

“There's a beautiful campus and all nice people!” said admitted student D'Anna Campolattaro, of Glen Gardner, New Jersey.

Valentina Laporta, of Brooklyn, New York echoed those sentiments.

“I just like the way it felt really homey. And that the whole environment is very family-oriented.”

Additional opportunities throughout the day included a Legacy Reception in St. Thomas Hall, for accepted students and their alumni parents and grandparents, Open Houses at Chapel of the Sacred Heart, Condron Hall (Sophomore Residence Hall), Gannon, Lavis and MacKillop Halls (First-Year Residence Halls), Performance Music (Houlihan McLean Center), Pilarz Hall (Upperclass Residence Hall), Pilarz Fitness Center and the Weinberg Memorial Library.

Another must-visit: the campus bookstore, where prospective Royals mapped out their purple purchases.

Attendees who confirmed their enrollment at the event received a complimentary Scranton T-shirt.

“I enrolled at Scranton! I just love the area,” Ethan Smith, of Scranton, said. “The University of Scranton, with engineering, is the best place for me.”

“Preview Day provides a valuable opportunity for admitted students to meet their future classmates, make connections, and begin building relationships before they arrive on campus. Families are looking for reassurance that the community is welcoming, supportive and safe for their student. They want to know that their investment in a Scranton education will be worth it. Through their conversations and experiences at Preview Day with community members, they can hear stories and examples from real people, face-to-face, about what makes Scranton such an amazing place. Nothing is more impactful at this stage than that!” added Zottola, shown above.

Amy Cheek, parent of one attendee, summarized the day.

“Well, first of all, everybody has been so helpful. It's incredibly well organized, as has everything been in the process with Scranton so far. I feel really confident in the kind of education that she'll get because they're really buttoned up. They've got it down. Everything has just been presented really well. No difficulty in figuring out what to do, where to go, lots of information available.

The president's remarks were right on point and lovely, funny, great. The student that spoke was fabulous and really talked about how he found home here, and that's something that my daughter Izzy wanted and I wanted for her. It's just been a great day so far.”

Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University President, shown above, greeted the crowd from the stage and one-on-one, as well.

"The word most often used to distinguish Scranton from other universities is 'community.' Today is the day to start integrating yourself into that community... and so I invite you to tour our facilities and grounds, meet new friends and introduce yourself to members of our impressive faculty. I am certain you will find a second home at The University of Scranton, as many others have during their years here,” he stated.

For anyone who was unable to attend, a Special Visit Day for Accepted Seniors will take place April 16.