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Potential students explore the “UIndy Effect” at Discover UIndy Day

November 2, 2017 in Campus News

Hundreds of high school students from across the Midwest recently participated in Discover UIndy Day, a chance for them to better understand the diverse opportunities that await them at the University of Indianapolis.

Students toured campus, experienced a class setting and participated in interactive student life activities–all with a goal of determining if UIndy is the right fit for them.

“We don’t just tell them facts about campus while they are here.  We show them what it’s like to be a student and help them experience how we support their success,” said Ron Wilks, associate vice president for enrollment.

Families were invited to attend Saturday’s UIndy Hounds Football game or the Department of Theatre’s production of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Wilks said it was a chance for students to experience the vibrant atmosphere of UIndy’s campus.

UIndy student ambassadors are an important facet of Discover UIndy Day’s success. Students like Amy Ragle ’18/’20 (biology, chemistry and occupational therapy) offer their time to act as a resource and contributor to prospective students and help them through the college search and admissions process. 2017 marked Ragle’s fourth year volunteering at the event. She started her freshman year as a Greyhound ambassador and this year served as the visit team intern for the Office of Admissions.

“When I visited UIndy my senior year of high school, I really loved the hospitality and the welcoming family atmosphere I was greeted with and I wanted to be a part of the team that made a difference and positive impact in other students and families’ lives, just like the the impact they had on mine,” said Ragle.

On Discover UIndy Day, Wilks and Ragle see the results of that impact firsthand.

“I love the energy on Discover UIndy Day. Our office works hard at creating an unbeatable experience for our guests and love seeing it all come together,” Wilks said.

“The families asked a lot of great questions and really seemed to enjoy everything we had to offer,” Ragle said.

Dawson Harris ’19 (nursing) has worked Discover UIndy Day for the past three years as a Greyhound ambassador. He emphasized how faculty help prospective students find focus.

“There are also many great professors from different majors and programs that were present and love talking with the students. Even if a student is interested in a different major or program, they still give great advice and are focused on helping that student create a plan of study that is best suited for them,” Dawson said.

“I really enjoy talking to as many families as possible and getting to know their student so we can better understand what they are looking for, and show them how we can help them develop their passions. I also love the way all the academic units and different campus departments come together to show that student-focused culture we live on a daily basis,” Wilks added.

That commitment to the student experience makes an impression. Wilks said he often hears from families who say the annual event stands out from others they’ve attended.