Adviser Eric Miller, left, provides visitor Ben Rupp with University College material during the Feb. 18, 2013, University Honors College Presidents’ Day Open House. (MTSU file photo by Andy Heidt)

High school and transfer students and their families from across Tennessee are invited to the fifth annual Presidents’ Day Open House at Middle Tennessee State University’s Honors College and Student Union from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17.

The University Honors College fosters the academic excellence and nurturing environment of a small, selective liberal arts college within the setting of a major university, said Laura Clippard, Honors College adviser. The free exchange of ideas and the opportunity to learn from one another in small classes taught by expert faculty make the Honors College experience rich and meaningful, she added.

Visit http://www.mtsu.edu/honors/OpenHouse.php for a detailed schedule and to register. The Student Union and Paul W. Martin Sr. Honors Building are located on the east side of campus. A printable campus map can be found at http://tinyurl.com/MTSUParkingMap13-14.

High school students must have a 25 ACT or higher and 3.5 GPA or higher to be qualified to participate in the Honors College. Transfer students must have a college GPA of 3.25 or higher.

Clippard said there will be a combination of educational events, optional tours and fun activities for prospective students.

After Honors College Dean John Vile provides a welcome, attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about admissions, financial aid, housing and many other areas on campus.

Opportunities will include tours of the Honors College, housing and residential life, James E. Walker Library, aerospace’s air traffic control lab, mass communication and a regular campus tour.

The visitors also can attend a mock trial demonstration, visit a “mad science” presentation and join the spring Honors Lecture Series class’s “Health and Happiness” presentation. A scholarship drawing will be held and students will have an opportunity to take a presidential quiz and win prizes.

Contact Clippard at 615-898-5464 or Laura.Clippard@mtsu.edu if you have a group larger than five. Each student who attends will receive three tickets to dine on campus during the visit. Parking information will be emailed to participants after registration.

— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)