Private Colleges and Schools in DK Turn to Open House Initiatives
Private colleges and schools across Dakshina Kannada are actively implementing open house programs. These initiatives serve as a strategic response to increasing competition and shifting enrolment patterns. Institutions now welcome prospective students and their parents onto their campuses well before admission deadlines.
A Shift in Campus Access and Engagement
Traditionally, students only experienced a campus after formally joining an institution. This practice is changing rapidly. Educational experts point to heightened sector competition as the primary driver. The expansion of online education platforms further intensifies this competitive landscape.
Consequently, parents now demand greater transparency throughout the admission process. Institutions believe that early engagement through open houses fosters trust. This trust, in turn, aims to improve final admission outcomes.
Leading Institutions Showcase Their Approach
St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) in Mangaluru recently organized a weekend open house. A university spokesperson clarified the event's purpose. It was designed specifically for prospective students and parents.
The program allowed visitors to explore the campus freely. They could interact directly with faculty members. The experience provided first-hand insight into academic programs, campus infrastructure, and overall student life.
The open house also offered detailed guidance. Topics covered included the admission process, curriculum details, potential career pathways, and available student support services. This comprehensive approach helps aspiring students make well-informed decisions about their higher education.
During such events, visitors typically enjoy campus tours. They get a genuine feel for the academic environment. Faculty members remain available to answer questions about programs, eligibility criteria, and future career prospects. Institutions also share specific information on admission procedures and scholarship opportunities.
Schools Adopt Similar Strategies with Variations
The trend extends beyond colleges to include schools. A spokesperson for Yenepoya School explained their annual approach. The school schedules its open house once a year, coinciding with its annual fete in February.
We usually do not host a separate event called an open day, the spokesperson noted. Instead, we integrate it into our annual fete. On that day, we welcome the public onto our campus. Visitors can walk around and gather the information they need. We establish a dedicated help counter at the venue to assist them.
Fr Johnson L Sequeira, principal of Lourdes Central School, described a different model. His school organizes open houses, but with a specific limitation. These events are exclusively for parents of currently enrolled students.
We hold it twice a year, in October and April, Fr Sequeira said. The main intention is to discuss each student's academic and overall progress. We do not encourage the type of open houses prevalent in other schools. We direct those interested in our institution to refer to our official website for information.
Not All Programs Continue Indefinitely
It is important to note that some programs have concluded. Mangalore University's Konaje campus, for instance, used to organize an open house for several years. This practice has recently stopped.
The collective move towards open houses highlights a significant adaptation within Dakshina Kannada's private education sector. Institutions are proactively creating transparency and building early relationships to navigate today's competitive environment.
