Thinking about studying at Centennial College but can't make it to campus? This summer, we're bringing the campus experience directly to you. Centennial College’s Summer Virtual Open House gives future students a chance to explore our campuses, meet faculty, and learn about programs, from anywhere with an internet connection.
On July 17, Centennial College's Virtual Open House returns in a completely new format, giving prospective students a live online campus tour across multiple Centennial campuses. Instead of watching presentations and slideshows, you'll join us through a livestream, as we travel across multiple campuses, including Progress, Morningside, Ashtonbee and Downsview, explore labs and learning spaces, meet faculty and students, and answer your questions in real time.
We spoke with two of the event’s creators, Soeun Outh, Director of National Recruitment and Outreach, and Alex Stewart, Manager of Digital Recruitment, about what students can expect from this year's event, and why it's worth adding to your calendar.
Why Future Students Should Attend the Centennial College Virtual Open House
For students who are still deciding on a program or preparing for college, Open House offers a chance to learn about Centennial College programs, student services, campus life and career pathways, direct from the people who know Centennial best.
"It's a great way for students to get informed about everything that they need to know about the college before attending,” Alex says, “because you're going to be interacting with faculty members, staff and students. You can get that real inside scoop from people who are actually here, decision makers, students who've experienced the school as well. It's a great opportunity for you to get a ton of information about the program you're interested in, even programs that you might not have thought about, and different services that you'll have access to as a student."
And according to Alex, attending virtually doesn't mean you're getting a lesser experience.
"By attending this virtual open house, you're not missing out," he says. "You're going to have that same immersive experience as if you were here on campus touring." On top of that, there are also prizes to be won. Everyone who attends will be entered into draws for Centennial-branded clothing and application vouchers.
What Makes Centennial College's Virtual Open House Different?
Previous virtual open houses at Centennial College focused on presentations and slideshows. This year's event, however, is designed to feel much more like being on campus.
"We're looking for ways to make our open house as accessible as possible," says Alex. "Historically, the virtual open house has been presentations, and clicking through web pages. We wanted to try a new strategy. We're bringing you with us, and making it extremely immersive, engaging, and accessible."
Under the new format, viewers will follow along as Centennial staff move through campus facilities in real time, meeting faculty members, students, and program experts along the way. Soeun says the goal is to give prospective students a more authentic view of college life.
"This is an immersive experience,” she says, “so we're touring the campuses, and you're actually seeing the campus in its entirety in real time."
For example, one of the stops on the tour will be Centennial's Applied Sciences and Engineering labs, where viewers will get a chance to hear directly from faculty members.
"Alex or one of the digital influencers will go up to Donald and say, hey, tell us more about AMAP [Advanced Manufacturing & Automation] programs,” Soeun says.
Ask Questions as You Go
The Virtual Open House livestream isn't just about watching. Future students will also have opportunities to ask questions about programs, admissions, student services and campus life through a live chat and Q&A.
"You're the audience, but you're also participating," Soeun explains. "If an audience member named Jake is there and he asks, about that lab, he can type that in the Q&A, and there's somebody there to say, we have a question from Jake."
That means you'll be able to get answers about programs, facilities, student life, and support services while the tour is happening.
How to Get the Most Out of the Event
To make the most of the day, Soeun recommends checking the schedule in advance.
"Look at the schedule,” she explains, “so that you're joining us during the slots when we're talking to the faculty you're most interested in, or we're at the labs you're most interested in.”
Of course, you're also welcome to stay for the entire experience.
"It's a great way to spend the day with Centennial," Soeun adds. "People can sign in with their phones and follow along, set us up while you're having a meal, eat with us, hang out with us. Wherever you are, whatever it is you're doing, it's an opportunity to just hop into this space and immerse with us."
For Soeun, the event is about more than showing off campuses and programs. It's about starting a conversation with future students.
"Centennial is very keen on inviting students to be their full selves on our campuses, and for supporting student success," she says. "So come and communicate, talk, chat, tell us who you are, so that we can also join your world. We're inviting you into ours, but we want to be part of yours, too."
Whether you're out of town, working, travelling, or simply unable to attend an in-person event, the Virtual Open House gives you a chance to explore Centennial and connect with the people who make up the college. Register for the Virtual Open House on July 17 and join us as we take you behind the scenes across our campuses, introduce you to our community, and help you discover what's possible at Centennial College.
By Anthony Geremia