Future students will be making their way to OSU Institute of Technology for the annual Afternoon with Pete, a special weekend open house event, this February.

Afternoon with Pete, which will take place on Saturday, Feb. 16, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., provides prospective students and families the opportunity to visit the campus and make preparations for college enrollment.

The concept of Afternoon with Pete has changed its format since its inception more than a decade ago. Originally designed to accompany the national push for financial aid awareness, it was solely focused on financial aid workshops. Now, the current format encompasses much more for prospective students. 

Last year’s event brought 86 students and 231 total guests, the largest turnout to date, and due in part to the new format. 

“Registration for this year is already exceeding attendance from last year,” said Sable Vasquez, special events coordinator. “We already have nearly 100 students registered this year for the Saturday event.”

Registration and check-in will begin at noon followed by a photo with Pistol Pete from 12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. A creative design provided by the School of Visual Communications will be used as a backdrop. 

Activities will commence at 1 p.m. with the option of the traditional financial aid workshops or a full campus tour. These options will run every 30 minutes to allow time for each student to partake in both events. Representatives will be available to help fill out the FAFSA for those who have not already done so. There will also be representatives from admissions and residential life to answer questions that arise or to help start or finish the enrollment process.

At 2 p.m., students will have the opportunity to tour the academic programs they are interested in and selected at registration. 

Vasquez said these types of weekend events are important to OSUIT and prospective students prepare them for enrollment in the fall semester.

“It gives those who don’t have a chance to attend during the week to tour with their families, make final decisions, get questions answered, or simply complete the application process,” said Vasquez.

Although walk-ins are welcome, registration is required in order to ensure availability for the academic program tours. Registration for this event is open until Friday, Feb. 15.

For more information contact Sable Vasquez at sablew@okstate.edu