January 20, 2004

CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine (724) 738-4854; e-mail: gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY SCHEDULES THREE OPEN HOUSE-STYLE

‘SATURDAY SHOWCASE’ EVENTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS, SENIORS

           SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Slippery Rock University will host three “Saturday Showcase” open house-style events this semester for prospective students and their families.

The dates are:

• Feb. 21

• March 20

• April 17

           Showcase programs begin with check-in and breakfast refreshments at 9 a.m. at the University Union with the program starting at 9:30 a.m. A special pre-program session for students interested in the Physical Therapy 3+3    Program begins at 8:30 a.m., with an 8:15 a.m. check-in at the union.

           Reservations are requested. Make a reservation by calling the Office of Admissions at1-800-929-4778 or online at www.sru.edu and clicking on the “Saturday Showcase” links.

             Prospective students and their families will learn about academic programs, residence life, financial assistance, and other campus life opportunities at a resource fair. Break out sessions by individual major are also available. Families will discover Slippery Rock University’s array of award-winning, first-year support services, encompassed within the FYRST (first-year studies) Program while prospective student have time to speak with current Slippery Rock University students.

            “The February Saturday Showcase is timed just right for high school seniors who are trying to make their final college choices and want to make one last visit to help them decide,” James Barrett, director of admissions, says. “Any high school seniors who got a late start visiting colleges will also find that this open-house style event allows them to learn a lot about Slippery Rock University in just a few hours.”

            The March and April Saturday Showcase dates are a great way for high school juniors to become familiar with what our university has to offer and lay the foundation for a more in-depth visit with faculty in the fall to find out if Slippery Rock University is the right choice for prospective families,” Barrett says. “There are a number of exciting developments to share, and there are dozens of faculty and staff available to speak with informally. Our goal is for students and parents to feel comfortable and discover all that a rock solid education has to offer.”

            Recently named one of 98 great schools to consider in the mid-Atlantic by Princeton Review, enrollment at The Rock has increased steadily the past four years, to 7,800. Twenty-nine percent of freshmen are from the top 25 percent of their high school class.

 PN, PR, PgN