Every Wednesday, Ohio University Southern has been opening its doors to anyone interested in continuing higher education for many years.

The OUS ambassadors help potential students on Walk-in Wednesday giving tours, giving out information on courses of study and helping fill out applications.

“They do a degree presentation that tells about the different jobs they can do with (each) degree,” said Nina L. Russell Queen, coordinator of Student Activities and Outreach Services. “We schedule them for financial aid workshops, academic advisers will help them complete their applications for financial aid. We also schedule placement testing in the learning center.”

Placement testing determines which level the student will begin in the classes, not for admission purposes, she said.

“We just give a general overview of the campus and what we have to offer here,” Queen said.

Walk-in Wednesdays are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Wednesday at both the Ironton and the Proctorville campuses.

“Basically, on Walk-in Wednesdays, it’s an opportunity for people in the community to come out, get some information about our campus, and if they’re interested they can fill out an application,” said Nikki Layne, a senior at OUS and an ambassador for the university. “A lot of universities kind of treat you as a number and we try to treat you as an individual person.”

At the Ironton campus on the third floor of the Vern Riffe building, OUS has a radio station and a TV studio for students learning electronic media.

“For the degree, it’s a two-year associate’s degree in applied science,” Queen said. “They actually get hands-on experience with the equipment the first week they are there — the cameras, the audio equipment. It’s pretty hi-tech.”

Dr. David Lucas, faculty coordinator, started one of the most unusual activities on campus, Gravity Adventures, an eclectic organization with kite boarding, camping, canoeing, ski trips and whitewater rafting, among others.

Several orientations for new students — both traditional and non-traditional — have been scheduled this summer with one coming up on Aug. 2.

During the orientation, a mini-major’s fair and a student activity fair will be set up during the day.

“At the mini-major’s fair, [people that are involved with that program, faculty, the directors have table s set up and talk to them in person,” said Lisa Cantrell, professional advisor at OUS. “We also have an activities set up where all the social activities like the psychology club, the drama club, different things like that are set up.”

Two forums will be set up also during the day where students can go to ask questions — a student panel and a faculty forum.

Check-in for orientation begins at 9 a.m. with the opening session beginning at 9:30 a.m.

An evening orientation will be available for non-traditional students.

Parents and spouses will also have a preview of academic programs and financial aid information sessions.

At noon, faculty will provide a cookout for those attending.

For more information about orientation, call (740) 533-4600 or (800) 626-1513 or visit the Web site at www.southern.ohiou.edu.