New college fair format a ‘great success’ for CDDHS

Written By MARNI WALSH

Between 250 and 300 Centre Dufferin District High School students attended a College Fair on Nov. 13. 

Held in the school cafeteria between 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., students from Grades 11 and 12, as well as Careers course students, and parents, were welcomed to visit with a variety of colleges that were set up in stations throughout the auditorium.  

The  College Fair was held in the style of an open house, where eager students, filling the room, were able stop by a variety of booths and ask questions about possible post secondary program choices, the campuses, and available student residence facilities. Interested students could also pickup Viewbooks from the different presenting colleges. 

The same students were invited to a University Fair the previous week, in which 15 of Ontario's 21 universities, as well as the Canadian Armed Forces, presented information on their programs and all that they could offer the students as their post secondary institution of choice.

“This is the first year for the new format,” CDDHS Guidance Councillor Susan Trowel told the Free Press. “Previously, colleges and universities scheduled individual visits, and students signed up for the sessions of interest to them.” 

She added, “The invitation to represent went out to all Ontario colleges last spring.” 

Although, some colleges had previous engagements, and a few scheduled to present were unable to attend due to the weather, Ms. Trowel says, “the representatives we had in attendance did a fantastic job  of hosting.” 

Eight of the 12 colleges originally scheduled to attend the CDDHS College Fair on Nov. 12, which did present, included: Humber College, Georgian College, Northern College, Fleming College, Niagara College, Conestoga College, Sheridan College, and Fanshawe College.

As Guidance Councillor, Susan Trowel says, “In response to our new format, the feedback from the colleges and universities has been that this was a success and they were very impressed with our students and the quality of their questions.  We are hoping to continue using this format next year.”