Prospective Students Catch Glimpse of Campus Life at Winter Premiere

by Angela Best, student newswriter, (254) 710-1961

Around 3,000 high school students, transfer students and their families will flood campus this Saturday, Jan. 27, during Winter Premiere, one of three premiere events sponsored each academic year by the Baylor University office of campus visits.

Premiere events not only offer prospective students a chance to become familiar with campus, but also to meet with Baylor faculty, staff and students. The popularity of the spring, fall and winter premieres is such that attendance has maintained at a steady level over the past few semesters.

Registration for this weekend's event will be from 8:15 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Ferrell Center. Prospective students can enjoy a light breakfast and pick up their premiere packet, which includes a free student lunch on campus and a t-shirt. Additional lunches for family members, as well as t-shirts, can also be purchased at this time.

The "Welcome to Baylor" opening session will begin with an explanation of the day's events by Kevin Kirk, director of Baylor campus visits, followed by a welcome from Baylor students provided by Tregg Spolar, Baylor Chamber of Commerce winter premiere chair and sophomore from Chino, Calif.

Matt Bonow, Baylor strengths coordinator, will teach audience members the "Sic 'Em Bears;" the Baylor spirit squads will provide entertainment; and Jonathan Evans, senior admissions counselor, will give a video tour of the premiere activities.

Following the opening session, prospective students and families will have a "pick and choose" time that includes activities such as campus tours, residence hall tours, lunch in a campus food court, shopping in a Baylor bookstore, student activities fair, self-guided library tours, lab tours, an admissions information session, seeing the Baylor bear mascots, a scholarship/financial aid information session, a study abroad information session, a multi-cultural session and a students-only and parents-only session.

At 2 and 3 p.m., prospective students will attend academic sessions of their choice, in which they will learn about the specific departments from both faculty and current students.

The day will conclude with a performance at 4 p.m. in Waco Hall by the Baylor Showtime!, Baylor's 12-voice musical theatre touring ensemble, and the Baylor Heavenly Voices Gospel Choir. The premiere is expected to conclude at 4:30 p.m.

Registration is required, but late registration will take place from 8:15 to 9 a.m. Saturday at the Ferrell Center.

For more information, contact the office of campus tours at (254) 710-2407, or e-mail Admissions@baylor.edu.