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What to Expect at a JWU Open House
This article was updated in October 2025 to reflect the most current information about upcoming Open House events.
Figuring out where you're going to college is a huge decision, but visiting campus is the best way to determine the which school is the right fit for you. You can learn more about a program, ask students about their experience, or see what it's like being in a lab or kitchen. Johnson & Wales offers Open House visit events where you can do all this and more. Here's what to expect at a JWU Open House.
What happens at a JWU Open House?
Open Houses provide opportunities to speak with current students, staff, deans and faculty and get to know the campus and the resources available to you.
The event agenda is full: a welcome by a senior administrator, a presentation on what to expect at JWU, getting guidance in applying to college and navigating financial aid, speaking with deans and faculty members, attending a department resource fair to find out all the resources available to you, asking your burning questions to a current student panel, testing the food in JWU's dining hall and getting a campus tour from a current student.
If that sounds a bit overwhelming, you and your family have the option to attend as much or as little of the Open House as you like.
"An Open House is a chance to talk to multiple people about what it’s like to attend JWU, what you’ll learn, how to finance your education and what you can do with your new skills and knowledge — all of which are helpful in figuring out if JWU is for you," says Director of Admissions Visitor Programs Christine Sullivan. "Talking with our current students is the best way to really feel like a JWU Wildcat." Sullivan has assembled a fanastic Collegiate Ambassador Team (CAT) of current Wildcats who can talk about what it's like to attend JWU. You'll meet many of them at an Open House.
When are Open Houses held?
JWU offers several Open House experiences between the fall and the spring to give students and their families multiple options to plan their visit.
Charlotte Open House Options
If you’re interested in studying in Charlotte, North Carolina, you can register for a JWU Charlotte Open House date to learn more about living and learning in the Queen City. You’ll take a student-led campus tour, see JWU Charlotte's classrooms and labs, and also get to view residence halls and athletic facilities. Admissions staff will provide helpful presentations, and an information fair with students, faculty, staff and admissions officers will round out your experience.
Behind the scenes of last year's Charlotte Open House:
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Providence Open House Options
The JWU Providence Campus is composed of two locations: Downcity Campus and Harborside Campus. Students interested in the College of Food Innovation & Technology (CFIT) should attend a JWU Harborside Campus Open House, which also includes a culinary demonstration and a tour of JWU's Culinary Arts Museum.
For students interested in Arts & Sciences, Health & Wellness or Hospitality & Business majors, the JWU Downcity Campus Open House is the one for you. (Note: The Dietetics & Applied Nutrition program combines classes from the Colleges of Food Innovation & Technology and Health & Wellness, and students interested in this major are encouraged to register for the CFIT Open House.)
Both locations include all the Open House features (resource fair, student-led campus tour, food, etc.). Plus, you're not limited to exploring only one campus; JWU Providence's Wildcat Wheels shuttle bus can take you between both locations if you would like to see both.
Watch the 2024 Providence Open House recap:
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What past students have said about JWU Open House
“JWU’s Open House experiences are very different from other schools," says Noah Shanshiry, who earned his B.S. in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management in 2022 and an MBA – Hospitality in 2023. "This is a good thing, though! They allow prospective students and their families to talk to current students, not just faculty and staff members. Prospective students want to speak to current students about why they love JWU and their journey to get here, and our ambassadors paint a picture for them of what being a JWU student is like."
"I can say from personal experience, sharing some of my favorite moments on campus with prospective students made them smile, laugh, and feel at home," adds Shanshiry. "This is one of the most rewarding parts of an Open House — getting a nervous high school student to feel at home and see how they can shine here at JWU.”
"Before attending my first Open House, I knew nothing about Johnson & Wales outside of the majors it offered," shares JWU Charlotte student Kiana Davis '23. "After attending Open House, I discovered what classes would be like, I talked to my actual professors that I have now, I met new friends and most importantly I discovered what it felt like to be a part of a community. JWU offered me the warmest genuine welcome as soon as I stepped on campus. I was not expecting to meet actual professors my first time on campus, but I did!"
"During our Open House events, JWU provides a great example of how we incorporate our hands-on learning and experiential education to prospective families," says JWU Providence student Alyssa Stalaboin '23. "Not only do the students get to chat with professors and staff members, but they also get to see great examples of our students' work in our hallways, in classrooms, and verbally by our professors. JWU has it all to create success after graduation!"
How do I attend a JWU Open House?
Register online (and keep checking back for new dates!).
Register for a JWU Charlotte Open House
Register for a JWU Providence Open House
Have questions that can't wait until you attend an Open House? No problem! JWU's admissions team is here for you. Or check out 5 Questions to Ask Your Admissions Rep.
