St. Andrews University will hold an admissions open house Oct. 20 for interested high school students and their families.

“We’ve revamped our Admissions Open House to provide a better opportunity for students and their families to hear about the programs at St. Andrews,” said Jeff Bennett, vice president for enrollment management. “For this particular Open House, we are adding a particular focus for those high school seniors looking to compete on one of our Equestrian Teams.”

St. Andrews competes in hunter/jumper, dressage and western disciplines while also providing academic programs in therapeutic horsemanship, equine business and pre-veterinary studies.

“Students with an equestrian interest who register for this open house will also have the opportunity to learn more about the equestrian program at a special dinner Friday evening,” said Bennett. “Interested high school seniors registered and cleared in advance may also be scheduled to ride for the coaches on Saturday morning.”

While there is an equestrian program focus for this Open House, students with other areas of interest will also be able to learn about the St. Andrews opportunities available through the activities on Saturday.

Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the William Henry Belk Center of the campus. Breakfast will be available in the Knights Dining Hall prior to the welcome session that begins at 9 a.m. The welcome is followed by a meet and greet session on the balcony of the Belk Center.

“Students and their families will get to meet with members of our faculty to discuss particular academic programs as well as learn more about the resources available to support the educational experience at St. Andrews,” said Bennett. “We will have members of the financial aid staff to answer questions as well as materials for families to take with them to reference as they continue to research higher education options.”

A campus tour led by current students includes academic buildings, residence halls and the student center. Lunch will follow in the cafeteria where current students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni will be available for conversations.

A final information session will include short presentations from Alumni Council President Dr. Matthew Clark, current student Michelle Eld and Bennett.

“We also include optional tours in the afternoon for those interested in specific programs and opportunities,” said Bennett. “For this October event, we include a second opportunity for a campus tour and also a meet and greet with the athletics coaches in the Physical Education Building.”

To register for the St. Andrews Open House on Oct. 20, go to http://www.sapc.edu and click visit.

A second fall admissions open house is scheduled for Nov. 17.