NATCHITOCHES – Over 500 prospective students and their families participated in N Side View at Northwestern State University Saturday, Oct. 1, drawing to campus future Demons interested in exploring all that the university offers in academics, extracurricular activities, Greek life and service opportunities. In conjunction, the Louisiana Scholars’ College at NSU hosted Scholars’ Day for students interested in the selective admissions honors college.
During the event, high schoolers were able to tour campus facilities and get information on financial aid, living on campus, housing, meal plans, campus involvement and amenities, such as the Wellness, Recreation and Activities Center and the Esports Lounge. Faculty were on hand to answer questions or discuss opportunities in their academic departments and current students answered questions about student life.
“As a parent visiting NSU N Side View, I left feeling assured that my son would be in good hands. Everyone from the students to the president of the university were kind, helpful and knowledgeable,” said Brandy Batiste of Lafayette, whose son Kylan Williams is a senior at Comeaux High school and a prospective theatre major.
“N Side View gave me reassurance that NSU was where I needed to be,” Williams added. “Visiting all the organizations and academic booths allowed me to get a feel for what to look forward to and I networked with a lot of amazing staff and faculty who offered to assist me in any way.”
“It was so exciting to see prospective students from high schools all over the state of Louisiana,” said Dr. Tara Tietjen-Smith, head of the Department of Health and Human Performance. “We had such a diverse, talented group drop by the HHP table that made me excited for the next 20 years. Getting to speak with prospective students and their families face-to-face helped us make that personal connection and directly share the opportunities that HHP offers. I think this connection helped them ask questions that were meaningful to them as individuals. The whole experience was so refreshing!”
Tietjen-Smith said she fielded questions prospective athletes, aspiring healthcare professionals and future coaches.
“One big question asked by several was ‘what opportunities are there for experiential learning in the field?’ I was able to share that we have several partnerships on campus with athletics and the WRAC as well as area clinics and other facilities for students to observe and gain experience in their prospective fields. Several of our alumni also provide opportunities as well as advice to our students in order to help them be successful.”
“This was our most successful N Side View since COVID and it was great to see so many new faces,” said Van Erikson, director of Recruiting and interim director of enrollment management. “The incoming students and parents are always grateful to be able to talk to department heads about career opportunities and they really enjoy learning about how they can get involved on campus.”
Erikson said that the popular Natchitoches Classic Car Show that took place Saturday was an added benefit for visiting guests.
“The Car Show provided an extra attraction for visitors who had never been downtown and showcased the city of Natchitoches as a vibrant, community-oriented place where parents feel safe sending their children and look forward to visiting them here,” Erikson said. “The whole day was capped off by a huge Demon win, so it was a great day all around.”
Spring N Side View will take place Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023. Information on how to apply to NSU, tuition and fees and more is available at https://www.nsula.edu/futurestudents/.
“If a personal visit fits better with schedules, tours of campus are also conducted every day of the week by a recruiter,” Erikson said. “Use NSU.LA/Tours to sign up today.”
