Class Visit Program Previews the College Experience

High school seniors will have the chance to spend a day as Bengals during the Class Visit Program, February 22–24.

An invitation-only event for accepted students and their parents, the program provides an opportunity for visiting students to get a jumpstart on the Buffalo State experience, take a campus tour, and attend classes alongside current students.

During the program, parents will attend a Q&A panel discussion with representatives from Financial Aid, Residence Life, University College, University Police, and the Career Development Center.

"The Class Visits are unique in that they are designed to accommodate both students and parents," said program coordinator Ken Robinson. "Our Q&A discussions are critically important since 55 percent of our participants are parents."

The program has a proven record of success with new students. Historically, two-thirds of program participants acknowledge their plans to attend Buffalo State. In 2013, the program was recognized with a SUNYCAP Achievement Award for "excellence and innovation in the design and implementation of an event."

Approximately 185 students and 270 parents and family members are expected to visit the college over the course of the program’s three-day span—a significant increase over last year.

Robinson feels the program provides new students with a unique exposure to college life.

"They get to witness a college lecture for the first time. It’s an eye-opener. I call it the ‘test drive’ for them," said Robinson. "Our teaching faculty play a huge role—their support is at the crux of the program’s success."

A special Honors Colloquium class visit and tour of the Honors Lounge will be led by Andrea Guiati, director of the Muriel A. Howard Honors Program, on Wednesday, February 22.

Representatives from Buffalo State’s Admissions and Enrollment Management offices will be on hand to welcome attendees. CIO and Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing, and Communications David Demers will introduce alumni speakers Kate Glaser, ’10, and Kimberly LaRussa, ’11, on Thursday, February 23, and Samantha Nephew, ’11, on Friday, February 24.

To meet student demand, the Class Visit Program will be held again in April during high school students’ spring break. 

For more information, contact Robinson at (716) 878-5024.