This year’s men’s and women’s open houses at Yeshiva University were a resounding success, attracting hundreds of prospective students and parents eager to learn about the dynamic education and student experience YU has to offer. Interest in Yeshiva University has skyrocketed, as its academic programs, many of them new and designed to respond to the needs of today’s workplace, have attracted significant numbers of applicants and transfers in recent years.
The atmosphere at both events was filled with excitement and opportunity as students and their parents heard from YU’s administration during the first part of the program. Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, President of Yeshiva University, who spoke at both events, emphasized the unique role YU has in creating the Jewish community’s leaders of tomorrow and how it provides an undergraduate education driven by academic excellence.
Other speakers included Marc Zharnest, director of undergraduate admissions, Dr. Rebecca Cypess, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Dean of Stern College for Women and Yeshiva College; Shoshana Schechter, Dean of Torah and Spiritual Life, who spoke about the women’s Jewish Studies curriculum; and Rabbi Yosef Kalinsky, Dean of Undergraduate Torah Studies, who spoke about Torah studies programs on the men’s campus.
Attendees learned about the University’s many areas of study from administrators, professors and current students at sessions led by Dr. Cypess, who discussed YU’s liberal arts programs, and Michael Strauss, interim dean at the Sy Syms School of Business. A breakout session led by Robert Friedman, director of Student Finance, informed parents about the affordability of a YU education.
Both open houses featured an academic fair at which prospective students and parents were given the opportunity to learn about YU’s distinguished Honors programs - the Stern College for Women Honors Program at the women’s event, the Yeshiva College Honors Program at the men’s event, and the Sy Syms School of Business honors program, the Honors Leadership Society and YU’s early assurance programs at both events. The fair also provided opportunities to learn about pre-health careers, associate degree programs and other offerings.
A student life fair included information about athletics, housing, Torah and spiritual life, student life and disability services, with breakout sessions featuring information about the Shevet Glaubach Center for Career Strategy and Professional Development, and the S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program (SDA). Rounding out both open houses was the Israel Program Expo, which consisted of representatives from many of the SDA Israel Program’s partner schools.
“Our Open House was incredibly energizing,” said Zharnest. “The turnout, the engagement, and the caliber of prospective students truly reflected the momentum on our campuses. With our largest and strongest applicant pool in a generation, we’re excited to welcome the next cohort to YU.”
