Melissa Gasia
Staff Writer
Students got a look at college life as a Leo on Saturday at La Verne’s annual Preview Day.
“Preview Day allows students to get to know all the aspects of La Verne before applying,” Bradlee Johnson, admissions student ambassador, said. “Our early decision is Dec. 1 so it gives them more than enough time to meet and see the student leaders that can give their opinion.”
The day started with a welcome from the Dean of Admission Chris Krzak and President Devorah Lieberman at the Athletics Pavilion. It included a short video shown about current students who shared their experience and daily routine at the university.
“It was very insightful because I wasn’t familiar with the campus,” grandparent Debra Williams said. “I really liked the fact that for the freshmen, you have that small group so that they can get adjusted because there are a lot of things to be as a freshman. Not only going to college, but being away from home and making a lot of decisions on your own.”
Forty-two student leaders volunteered to help out for the event and were around to answer questions from students and parents.
“I really like the scenery and how everything is so small,” Highland High School senior Kendal Williams said. “I go to a big school and I have big classes. I like that the class ratio in La Verne is around 1 to 15. Professors will really get to know their students.”
Students and parents attended sessions of their choice: academic success, financial aid, life as a Leo, information in Spanish, housing and residential life and Leo 2 Leo.
These sessions included informational power points and question and answer portions with the panel.
“Mostly I enjoyed Leo 2 Leo because you feel like you are really close to the students so you know the University that you are going to attend,” said Shahed Sbeta, high school graduate from Tripoli, Libya.
The Leo 2 Leo session was more interactional. It divided the students into groups with about 10 members each with two La Verne student leaders. Each member introduced themselves to the group.
Student leaders shared some personal stories and their involvement in the University. Prospective students asked several questions about dorms, sports, choosing majors and sorority or fraternity life.
“I’m an international student because I just moved here so I don’t really know about the environment, so it’s really good that I communicated with students who are here,” Sbeta said.
After lunch, club fairs, campus tours and housing tours were held from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
“I mostly enjoy small communities,” Sbeta said. “It’s more fun. You can communicate with your professors, you’re more closer to them and just the feeling that you’re in a homey campus. That is mostly what I like about La Verne.”
Melissa Gasia can be reached at melissa.gasia@laverne.edu.
