Open House FAQ
- When is Open House?
- What time is the Welcome Session?
- What is Columbia College Chicago’s Open House?
- How do I register?
- How do I get there?
- Where can I park my car?
- Can you recommend any hotels?
- Where do I go when I arrive on campus?
- What happens at the Welcome Session?
- Is it possible to bring family, siblings and friends?
- How long will it last?
- Where can we eat?
- Where can I buy Columbia College Chicago apparel and gifts?
- How do I arrange to bring a school group to Open House?
- If I have more questions who can I contact?
- How can I get a program of the days events?
1. When is Open House?
Undergraduate Admissions Open House will take place on Saturday, March 15th, 2008, from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
2. What time is the Welcome Session?
There are two Welcome Sessions, the first one begins at 8:30AM and the second at 10:00AM. Check your confirmation email after you sign up to find out which session you are registered for.
3. What is Columbia College Chicago’s Open House?
While we do offer opportunities for prospective students to visit campus throughout the whole year, Open House is truly the best way for you to see our campus! This is the day (and it only happens twice a year!) that we have designed especially for you.
Every academic department on campus opens its doors to prospective students and their families. Faculty and students are on hand to talk to you about the majors you’re most interested in, about what it’s like to go to Columbia College Chicago, and you’ll get a close-up look at the campus of the nation’s largest and most diverse private arts and media college.
Our entire Student Affairs team will be there to present information about other aspects of the college that are central to our students’ education: On-Campus Housing, Student Organizations, The Portfolio Center, Financial Aid and Scholarships, Transfer Student Credit Evaluations, and a Multi-Cultural Affairs drop-in session. When we invite guests to our campus, we like to show off our students; you’ll see work by students in music, dance, theater, fine arts, interactive arts & media and more!
4. How do I register?
Go to http://www.colum.edu/openhouse
5. How do I get there?
Click here for directions: http://www.colum.edu/Admissions/directions.php
6. Where can I park my car?
There are many parking lots in the South Loop—several located on Wabash Avenue, very close to the Auditorium Theater. However, thousands of people are expected to attend Open House, so come early to make sure you get a good spot!
Parking in the area can range from $10 - $25 and up. Weekend rates may vary. We do not recommend parking on the street. Click here for parking suggestions: http://www.colum.edu/Admissions/directions.php
7. Can you recommend any hotels?
Reserve your hotel rooms as early as you can! Downtown Chicago hotels fill up quickly with conferences and other events. These are the hotels we recommend: http://www.colum.edu/Admissions/accommodations.php
8. Where do I go when I arrive on campus?
Open House begins with a Welcome Session at either 8:30AM or 9:45AM (check your confirmation email to see which Welcome Session you registered for) at the Auditorium Theater, 50 E. Congress.
9. What Happens at the Welcome Session?
The Welcome Session is the most important event of the day. At the Welcome Session, you will receive your program of the day’s events. The Open House Program is necessary for navigating Open House and making the most of the day. The Program lists the locations and start times of the presentations by academic departments, information sessions by offices such as Student Financial Services, as well as how to tour our Residence Centers.
When you arrive at Open House, you can expect to see significant crowds of people waiting to get into the Auditorium Theater. We know, standing in line is a bummer – but don’t worry, we won’t leave you hanging too long; the lines move very quickly, and believe us, The Welcome Session is worth it.
If you come early for the Welcome Session, join us for coffee and pastries at 33 E. Congress, across the street from the Auditorium Theater.
10. Is it possible to bring family, siblings and friends?
Yes! We welcome everyone (just shy of the family dog) to attend!
11. How long will it last?
The Welcome Session is from 8:30 AM to 9:15 AM. After the Welcome Session, you are free to plan your own day. Read through your Open House Program and hatch your own plans for which sessions you would like to attend. Information sessions and departmental visits will take place on a rolling basis throughout the day, wrapping up at 3:00 PM.
12. Where can we eat?
Complimentary snacks, beverages and sandwiches will be available for our guests throughout the day in several of our campus buildings. If you come early for the Welcome Session, join us for coffee and pastries at 33 E. Congress, across the street from the Auditorium Theater. If you’re still hungry, the South Loop has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. Ask any faculty, staff member or student about where to go for lunch—we all have favorites we love to recommend.
13. Where can I buy Columbia College Chicago apparel and gifts?
Visit our bookstore at 624 S. Michigan Avenue, 1st floor. All visitors to Open House will receive a coupon in their programs for a 10% discount at the bookstore.
14. Can I arrange to bring a school group to Open House?
Absolutely. We welcome groups of students to Open House. If you are planning to bring a group of more than six, please contact Ania Greiner at 312.344.7220 or agreiner@colum.edu
15. If I have more questions about Open House, who can I contact?
We welcome any other questions you may have about Open House. Please call 312.344.7130 or email admissions@colum.edu for more information regarding Open House.
16. How can I get a program of the days events?
At the Welcome session, you will receive a program that lists all the locations and start times of the departmental presentations, information sessions and performances that will take place throughout the day.
The Welcome Session is an important part of the day, and it is the only place that you can get a Program of Events. We are unable to provide copies of the program in advance of the Welcome Session.