Future Otters ‘chase their dreams’ at upcoming Open House

By Caitlin Fillmore

Perhaps it’s a kinesiology major with a desire to organize and lead others. Or maybe a Monterey Bay local, excited to give back via sustainable hospitality. It could be an n environmental science student who also wants to learn to surf.

These are some of the possible candidates Cal State Monterey Bay is preparing to welcome next weekend, as hundreds of prospective students and their families – with all of their college aspirations – attend the university’s annual Open House on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Drea Pappageorgas, director of communications for Enrollment Management, said celebrating the accomplishments and building upon each student’s hard work is the focus of this year’s event.

“Students are entering this next stage in life where they are ready to chase their dreams,” said Pappageorgas. “Open House is the student's chance to picture whatr life could be like at CSUMB and beyond.”

Open House provides hands-on access to classrooms, faculty, recreation, housing and all of the dynamic aspects of life as an Otter, said Kaci Turpin, director of New Student Programs.

“Open House offers prospective students and their families an opportunity to experience all that Cal State Monterey Bay has to offer,” said Turpin, adding that new majors in public health, communication and history will be a highlight. .

Scheduled activities include student panels and direct access to experts in CSUMB financial aid, scholarships, internships and research. Tours of residence halls, community spaces and other campus amenities available during the event will help prospective students get a full picture of what it’s like to be an Otter.

This event also gives prospective students and transfer students the unique opportunity to meet their future professors and ask them questions. Each of the university’s five colleges will be present to welcome students and answer questions, Pappageorgas said.

“Open House is all about supporting the student journey,” she said. “Would you like to learn more about your future major? Want to explore student clubs and organizations? Do you need help with your application or financial aid? All of those things are available at Open House.”

Beyond prospective students, Open House provides an opportunity for the wider Monterey Bay community to get to know itsr local university. 

“I think Open House is a wonderful opportunity for the larger community to see the beautiful culture that we have on campus and to connect with the excitement that these prospective students are feeling,” Pappageorgas said. “Excitement is contagious.” 

As the new school year settles in, Pappageorgas said, the thrill of welcoming future Otters is palpable.

“I hope prospective students come to Open House and feel the close-knit community that is ready to welcome and support them at Cal State Monterey Bay,” she said. “Most of all, I hope they feel excited about all that is possible.”

Advance registration is strongly encouraged. Registered attendees will receive a free parking permit when arriving on campus. Prospective students and their families, and all other interested attendees, can register here.