NCA Graduate School Open House

For College and University Departments 

Download Graduate School Open House Registration Form 

Graduate School Open House Floor Plan 

The NCA Graduate School Open House is a fantastic opportunity for colleges and universities to find and interact with prospective students! Every registered department is provided with a booth where faculty members can talk one-on-one with prospective students about their programs, as well as field questions regarding admissions and other requirements. If your department is interested in reserving a booth, please read the following information to make the most of your Graduate School Open House experience. 

When is the Graduate School Open House?  

The Graduate School Open House will be held on Thursday, November 21 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The hall will open at noon to participating departments only to prepare their booths and showcase their materials.

Where is the Graduate School Open House located? 

The Graduate School Open House will be held in Exhibit Hall A, Exhibition Level, in the Marriott Wardman Park hotel. Click here to view the floor plan.

Does my department need to register for the Graduate School Open House? 

Yes! All departments and their booth representative(s) must register to participate in the Graduate School Open House. Departments will register for the event by completing the Graduate School Open House registration form.

Individuals who will be representing the department(s) and/or staffing the booth need to register online through the NCA website. Only individuals registered for the annual convention may work in your booth. Information and registration prices for individuals can be found on the Registration Information page. All individuals must wear their convention badges in order to gain access into the exhibit hall. Registration opens on Monday, July 1, 2013.

Does my department need to have a departmental membership to participate in the Graduate School Open House? 

Departments are not required to have a departmental membership. However, departments with a departmental membership pay less in booth registration fees than departments without a departmental membership. Please see the Graduate School Open House registration form for details.

What is the deadline to register for the Graduate School Open House? 

The Graduate School Open House registration deadline is Wednesday, October 30, 2013. Booths have historically sold out before the deadline. Booth assignments are confirmed on a first paid, first served basis.To reserve a booth, both the registration form and proper payment need to be submitted together. Please note that your registration will not be confirmed until both items have been received. When these two items are received and processed, an email confirmation will be sent to the designated contact person with a booth assignment number and other event details. 

How are booth assignments determined? 

Booths are assigned on a first-paid, first-served basis. This process is carried out until all the booths have been filled. Please note that booths will not be held if a registration form is sent without proper payment or vice versa.

What is provided with each booth? 

All the booths are 8 feet by 10 feet and consist of pipe and drape material. Each booth is supplied with one table (6 feet) and two chairs. Departments are encouraged to bring signs, displays, and other promotional materials that fit on a table top surface to showcase their department and institution. Your booth contents may not spill into the aisle or adjacent booths. If you are interested in purchasing an electrical outlet to run to your booth, please contact Katie Karsnak at kkarsnak@natcom.org.

What materials and supplies do I need to bring with me? 

All departments are highly encouraged to bring a table top sign or poster that 1.) easily identifies their institution and/ or department 2.) easily identifies the graduate program. Signs or posters make it easier for wandering Graduate School Open House attendees to recognize which institutions are present. Please remember to bring the necessary supplies to showcase your sign (e.g. pins, tape, easel) and any other common supplies that are needed to display signs and showcase materials.

Will there be a flier/leaflet table at the Graduate School Open House? 

No. Table surfaces are only reserved for those departments registered for the Graduate School Open House.

Questions?  

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the Graduate School Open House, please contact Katie Karsnak at kkarsnak@natcom.org.