Experience VCC open house adopts hands-on approach

 

 

Originally published in Star Metro Vancouver

With its Experience VCC event on Oct. 24, Vancouver Community College (VCC) is re-imagining the standard open house structure by offering experiences that showcase its offerings in ways that reflect the school’s hands-on nature.

And while attendees will be able to explore 120 programs at Experience VCC through workshops, demos, and entertainment, those who are especially interested in a hospitality career will gain a unique passport.

“The Passport to Hospitality event will explore where a career in hospitality can take students,” says Monique Paassen, head of VCC’s Hospitality Management department, of this particular aspect of Experience VCC.

“Attendees will get their ‘passport’ at the door and then collect stamps by visiting activity stations hosted by our department as well as the culinary arts, Asian culinary arts, and baking and pastry arts departments.”

Each activity station, says Paassen, will offer attendees an interactive way to learn about the programs, interact with faculty and alumni, and get their hands dirty.

For example, while in past years attendees were able to sample a pastry made by baking and pastry arts students, this year they may have the opportunity to decorate one or learn to properly set a table at the hospitality management station.

“We wanted to do something different that would really get the attendees involved and engaged so they understand our approach to teaching from their first interaction with us,” says Paassen, whose department offers both a two-year hospitality management diploma program and a four-year Bachelor of Hospitality Management option.

“If they fill their passport, they will have the chance to win prizes.”

Experience VCC, which takes place at the Broadway Campus from 3 to 6 p.m., will also allow attendees to explore the campus, meet students, and talk to instructors about programs in arts, sciences, certified trades, university transfer, and more.

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Skip the line on Oct. 24 and RSVP for Experience VCC today.