COSAM News Articles 2014 October Annual Minority Visitation day a success.

Annual Minority Visitation day a success.

Published: 10/17/2014

COSAM’s Annual Minority High School Visitation Day was held Oct. 10, in the Auburn Student Center Ballroom. This event was designed to provide a forum where minority juniors, seniors, and transfers have an opportunity to learn more about the sciences and mathematics disciplines, including pre-health, and to obtain first hand information regarding the application process, financial aid and scholarship opportunities at Auburn University. The program included a welcome from Nicholas Giordano, dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics, and greetings from Timothy Boozinger, Provost and Vice-President of Academic Affairs. Campus-based representatives included administrators, faculty advisors and student representatives for a campus browse sessions. Other activities included presentations by the Offices of University Recruitment and University Scholarships, COSAM academic advisors, Greek Life and a student panel. In addition, students learned about the academic and social support provided by COSAM’s Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs. A guided tour of the campus capped the Day’s activities.

This event registered 110 individuals on-site. Registrants included local presenters, and guests and visitors from 18 high schools in Alabama and Georgia. High schools represented included Auburn HS, Opelika HS, Loachapoka HS, Lee HS, James Clemens HS, Apalachee HS, Gwinett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology, Heritage HS, Jefferson County International Baccalaureate, Madison Academy, Jacksonville HS, Talladega County Central HS, Alabama School of Math and Science, and Bob Jones HS. Most students were interested in majors in Biomedical Sciences, Mathematics, and Chemistry. Pre-health concentrations included Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Physical Therapy.

Overall, the execution of this year’s event was highly successful. Eighty-seven percent of students surveyed indicated they are currently applying to Auburn University. Ten percent of students had already applied for admission. The event received an “outstanding rating” from students, parents and participating Auburn University staff. This includes a rating of 4.0 on a 4.0 scale for having a positive experience at Auburn University. Four categories received the highest ratings: positive experience; scholarship information was helpful; student panel was informative; and academic programs was useful.

For more information, email Dr. Bianca Evans, minority programs coordinator for the COSAM Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, at bde0005@auburn.edu or call 334.844.4642.