As the academic year continues, more students begin to think about their futures at Lasell—especially prospective Lasers. A foundational element in this thought process takes form at the annual Fall Open House, held this year on Nov. 3.
Hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Admission and staffed primarily by members of the Blue Key Society, Fall Open House serves as a window into the world of a Lasell student for high school students and their families.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for them to connect with current Lasell faculty, students, and coaches while touring campus and enjoying numerous presentations,” said Associate Director of Admission Brian Cohen.
Cohen emphasized how Fall Open House is not only formative for high school students during the college admissions process but also a valuable time for the institution itself.
“Open House is really important to Lasell because it allows us to showcase how amazing our campus community is,” said Cohen. “It also provides a strong first impression for many of our prospective students and their families. It’s a day where some students decide that Lasell may be the institution for them.”
Executive Director of Admission Emily Stanley spearheaded the preparations for the event by coordinating with on and off-campus vendors nearly a year ahead of time.
Open House required the joint efforts of numerous campus partners throughout the university, including Facilities and Sustainability Management, Conference and Event Services, Athletics, and Dining Services.
“It takes a lot of coordination across campus and with vendors, we’ve had partnerships for years,” said Stanley. “This year specifically, we had to work closely with athletics since there was a soccer playoff game during our setup day. Everyone works really well together, and we are very thankful to have such an understanding and collaborative community.”
A total of 405 guests gathered for Fall Open House, which is considered a success for the Office of Undergraduate Admission. Stanley elaborated on the event’s triumphs.
“There were seven other schools in the area hosting open house events on that date and a home Patriots game, so there was a lot of competition,” said Stanley. “The presentations, campus tours, and lunch all went very well.”
Lasell University’s Fall Open House creates an interactive and memorable day for all visitors by balancing traditional faculty-run presentations with sessions during which current students discuss their personal experiences with Lasell’s academic and extracurricular programs.
Prospective students and families were welcomed to campus by President Eric Turner, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management Christopher Gray, and Associate Professor of Art and Graphic Design, Deborah Baldizar. Following a brief introduction, guests attended academic presentations and student panels in which they learned more about the institution’s connected learning philosophy through first-hand accounts of various clubs, courses and internships.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for [prospective students] to connect with current Lasell faculty, students, and coaches while touring the campus and enjoying numerous presentations,” Cohen said. During a university reception, visitors were offered lunch alongside Lasell community members. Professors and students in each of Lasell’s five academic schools, club leaders, and representatives from various offices on campus met with guests in the Athletic Center (AC).
Prospective students are able to mingle with professionals and peers and ask questions about specific internships, including Study Abroad, the Center for Community-Based Learning, the Honors Program, and numerous other resource centers.
Senior fashion design major Kassie Fisher has worked at the Admission Office for three years and has participated in each annual Open House. This year, as a member of the Blue Key Society’s Leadership Team (LT), Fisher served as an essential mediator to ensure the smooth operations of the event’s numerous moving pieces. Fisher greeted visitors, distributed exclusive Lasell merchandise and checked in with other student workers as they carried out their own responsibilities during the campus-wide event.
“It’s a long day, so everybody gets tired at some point,” Fisher said. “As LT, that’s kind of part of our job to keep the staff motivated throughout the day.”
“We definitely did our best—especially with so many moving parts— with trying to all be on the same page. I think just being a positive person throughout the day really helps to remind people that the work we’re doing is meaningful to these incoming students,” Fisher said.
Junior secondary education major Olivia Post reflected on her own experiences as an incoming student, long before she became a Blue Key Society Ambassador and member of LT. Post attended not only Fall Open House, but took as many opportunities offered by Lasell to visit campus as possible.
“I came for a campus tour, Fall Open House, Lasell Day, and Laser Day for my major,” Post said. “These experiences are a huge part of why I chose Lasell because each visit made me fall in love with the school even more. I have so many happy memories from each of these days, and I love that Lasell creates so many opportunities for students to come and experience campus.”
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