By Katie Fitzgerald
University Communications and Marketing
The Ohio University Precollege Orientation helped new students and their parents become accustomed to college life and delivered a boost to the local economy.
This summer, approximately 3,700 incoming freshmen and their parents participated in 15 sessions held from July 22 until Aug. 10. Sessions for transfer students were held July 12 and July 19.
"Precollege offered an introduction to academic and student life and familiarized new students and parents with the University," said Laura Chapman, assistant dean of University College. "It's intended to help students feel more connected to the University when they return for classes in the fall."
To help students and their parents become better acquainted with Athens, area businesses furnished mock dorm rooms in Tiffin Hall. The rooms had all the essentials from bedspreads to picture frames and laundry to the latest fall fashions all marked with where they can be found in Athens.
"It's good for the community and invaluable for a national chain to be involved in Precollege," said Kmart Operational Manager Chris Groves. "The exposure with the parents and the students is really good."
An information tent, sponsored by the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Athens County Convention and Visitors Bureau, was also set up outside the mock dorm rooms and provided information on area merchants and local events.
"It really does help our economy because it is sluggish during the summer when the students are gone. (During Precollege) we have potential customers for the next four or five years and we get parents acclimated to what we have to offer," said Wendy Jakmas, office project manager for the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce. "We have a lot of diversity here and we have a lot to offer."
Jakmas said that in addition to area merchants stocking the mock dorm rooms, coupon books were available with discounts at books stores, restaurants and area hotels. Many students took the opportunity to purchase their books while in town and also checked out local shops while Uptown she said.
"The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce and Athens County Convention and Visitors Bureau view Precollege as a tremendous opportunity to welcome incoming freshmen and their families to our community and introduce them with the many goods and services available throughout the region," said Sally Dunker, head of Athens County Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Regional hotels, campgrounds and Bed and Breakfasts experience strong occupancy during the four weeks of Precollege as do restaurants, retail shops and other area businesses."
