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What to Expect at a JWU Open House
This article was originally published in August 2021 but has been updated to reflect the most current tour agenda.
Figuring out where you’ll spend the next four years of your life is a huge decision — and visiting campus is the best way to learn more about a program, ask students about their experience, or see what it's like being in a lab or kitchen. Here's what to expect at a Johnson & Wales University 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.
"Talking with our current students is the best way to really feel like a JWU Wildcat," explains Director of Admissions Visitor Programs Christine Sullivan, who has assembled a fanastic Collegiate Ambassador Team (CAT) of current Wildcats who can talk about what it's like to attend JWU.
"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."
- Director of Admissions Visitor Programs Christine Sullivan
While non-culinary academic programs are covered at the JWU Downcity Campus Open House, students interested in the College of Food Innovation & Technology (CFIT) can attend a JWU Harborside Campus Open House. In addition to a similar welcome, resource fair, student-led campus tour (including JWU's Culinary Arts Museum), testing the dining hall and having opportunities to ask questions, JWU Harborside Open House attendees experience a live culinary demonstration.
And you're not limited to exploring only one campus; JWU Providence's Wildcat Wheels shuttle bus can take you between both locations.
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 choose your 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.
Providence Open House options
At JWU Providence, in addition to several available dates for a campuswide Open House to learn more about studying in Rhode Island's "Creative Capital" and tour the Downcity Campus, individual open houses are offered for Business, Food Innovation & Technology, Health & Wellness, Arts & Sciences, Hospitality and Engineering & Design. The College of Food Innovation & Technology (CFIT) Open House, held on the Harborside Campus, also includes a culinary demonstration and a tour of JWU's Culinary Arts Museum.
(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.)
What students have gotten out of a JWU Open House
“I can say that JWU’s Open House experiences are very different from other schools," says Noah Shanshiry, who is graduating with a 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 Noah. "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!"
"I also met my best friend, and I now officially know what it means to be a part of a community," Kiana continues. "Now I get to help offer that same sense of community to new students!"
"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!"
Get a sneak peek at a JWU Providence Open House
Before graduating in December 2023, Media & Communications major Hillary Thilavong filmed what it looks like to attend a JWU Providence Open House:
How do I attend a JWU Open House?
You can register online for a JWU Charlotte Open House or for a JWU Providence Open House (and keep checking back for new dates!).
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.
