Around 250 families of prospective students were on campus Sunday for one of the two open houses available this semester for high school students.

For about an hour, these students and their families could visit tables set up in the KU Ballroom that represented different academic departments, as well as other student services on campus such as Campus Ministry and the Counseling Center.

Sally Raymont, programs director in the Center for International Programs, said she received a lot of interest by students in the international programs available at UD. She said she was able to provide information on both study abroad and 'how students can internationalize their education.'

The latter idea includes involvement in the intercultural living learning community, World Exchange events and other international opportunities on campus. It also includes Maxi, or 'Maximizing your International Education,' a new program developed by the Center for International Programs. Raymont said there are three modules associated with the program: pre-departure, in-country and re-entry.

Stacy Burke, admissions counselor, helped organize Sunday's open house. She said the fair provides a unique opportunity for prospective students that is not available on individual visits.

'The nice part about this is they get to talk to all different academic departments,' Burke said. 'Almost every academic department was represented.'

She also mentioned 'the chance to interact with a lot of [UD] students,' which she said most prospective students do not get when they come for a campus visit.

Claire Schrader, associate director of admission, was on hand to direct students and answer questions. She said this was the first year they provided the opportunity for students to bring their high school transcripts to review with an admissions counselor.

'I reviewed with them their admissibility right on the spot,' Schrader said.

She said many students have questions about scholarships or financial aid and also ask about honors criteria or how much credit they will receive for their AP scores.

Schrader said there are only campus visits Monday through Friday in the fall semester, so having an open house on the weekend allows families to come if parents are not able to take time off work. Most of the students who come are high school seniors, she said, although she encourages juniors to come as well.

'I think it's more beneficial for juniors just to get a little taste of UD,' Schrader explained.

Following the academic fair, there was a student panel of current UD undergraduates to answer the questions of prospective students while their parents attended a session about scholarships and financial aid. The open house concluded with a campus tour for all of the families.

Another open house for prospective students will be held Dec. 2.