by Debbie Hum

More than 1,200 prospective students from Quebec, Ontario and beyond came to Surf @ Concordia on Saturday, Feb. 1. It was a splendid turnout for the one-day showcase for potential students.

A surf theme infused the event, complete with fake surfboards and student volunteers sporting leis, sunny orange T-shirts, Haiwaiian shirts and shorts. A number of exhibits displayed Concordia’s extensive online services.

“We wanted to create an atmosphere that was friendly and that would give a welcoming message,” said David Gobby, director of the Recruitment Office. “I think we were successful — many students and parents that I spoke to liked the surfing concept and had a good time.”
Representatives from every faculty and a terrific team of over 25 student volunteers, answered questions and kept the day animated and visitors engaged.

A number of administrative units showed some of the services available online at Concordia. Computers in the Birks Student Service Centre were available to access admissions requirements and submit online applications. The three admissions officers from the Registrar’s Office were so busy that they didn’t have time to stop for lunch, Gobby reported.

The Financial Aid and Awards Office offered access to a computer program where prospective students could calculate how much they could receive in loans and bursaries. The IITS student portal system, which provides students with personalized access online to their student record, grades, course and exam schedules, and course-related information also elicited interest.

Surf @ Concordia was organized by Concordia graduate Carl Kouri. Uzma Moustafa, of the John Molson School of Business student recruitment office, and Danielle Skene, of the Recruitment Office, provided technical support for the event.

Some of the day’s events were simultaneously Webcast to reach students who could not attend the information day. A video of Surf @ Concordia is being edited for the Web.