YU Hosts Annual Open House
On Sunday, November 23rd, the Yeshiva University Office of Admissions hosted their annual YU Open House. Open House actually officially began the Friday before, as over twenty high school seniors were welcomed on campus for Shabbat. As Eli Shavalian (YC ‘14), recently appointed Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at YU, put it, “Shabbat, filled with guest speakers, fun games, and an awesome Motzei Shabbat activity, offered a great way to meet and get to know each and every one of the students.” Open House activities for all attendees began at 9 AM Sunday morning and spanned the entire day. With a schedule full of speeches, presentations, campus tours, and an Israel Yeshiva Fair, there was not a dull moment during the entire day. As usual, this year’s Open House, an important day of information that sheds light on Yeshiva University to potential students and their families, proceeded very smoothly and was enjoyed by all who attended.
The deans of YC and Syms joined President Richard Joel in the morning to welcome the high schoolers and their families. Each administrator gave a brief description of their position and their relevance to the university hierarchy. This initial event also featured a panel of student alumni from all different spectrums of the YU academic curricula. The graduates discussed their backgrounds, their majors in college, and their career paths, which included working for a major law firm, studying to pass the CPA, and other interesting goals. An extremely important aspect of Open House, the panel really caught the attention of all the students in the room, as Yeshiva University’s catch phrase “This Could Be You” seemed to really shine through during this presentation.
The agenda also included introductions to the yeshiva’s Undergraduate Torah Studies programs, ran by Dean of RIETS Rabbi Menachem Penner. Attendees were consequently split up into four shiurim, divided into the four distinct programs themselves.
The later morning and early afternoon featured a myriad of activities for students and parents. In Weissberg Commons, there was a Student Life fair, where families and potential students could see what was available to them in regards to extra-curricular activities such as student government, The Commentator, and many other YU clubs. Moreover, Yeshiva’s academic and pre-professional advisors, including pre-med and pre-law, met with students and parents, explaining the processes of applying to medical, dental, and law school. Additionally, professors from psychology, philosophy, physics, accounting, and marketing delivered presentations about their departments and gave over information about what each line of study is about. A Open House-wide lunch in the Max Stern Athletic Center allowed students additional opportunities to speak with professors and faculty over vegetable wraps and deli sandwiches. To end off the day, the Israel Yeshiva Fair hosted representatives from over 25 yeshivot and programs in Israel who gave multiple presentations throughout the late afternoon.
Adam Kugelman, also of the Office of Admissions, and Shavalian were both heavily instrumental in planning the events. “I'm definitely looking forward to being involved with the Open House again next year!” Shavalian concluded.
