IC News

Over the past few weeks, Ithaca College has hosted several in-person accepted student experiences to help future Bombers learn more about what the next four years on South Hill can look like.

During the weekend of March 26, the college hosted Experience Ithaca. Prospective students had the chance to tour the campus and speak directly with department chairs, professors, and other campus leaders to get a better grasp of everything IC has to offer.

Ainsley Moran, an accepted student visiting from Worcester, Mass., attended a panel hosted by the Center for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Social Change (IDEAS), titled “Honoring Your Intersectionality at Ithaca College.” At the event, campus partners shared the resources available for students of many different identities.

Moran said the college’s atmosphere of acceptance made them feel even more excited about attending in the future.

“I’m very happy that we have this space. Even the little things people at IC do like asking for my pronouns makes a big difference,” they said.

On April 8 and 9, the Ithaca Today event furthered that spirit of community. Nearly 500 prospective students and more than 1,200 total guests came to campus for the event, which Nicole Eversley Bradwell, executive director of admission, opened with remarks that stressed the entire IC community’s commitment to creating the best experience possible for accepted students.

“College is our life here in Ithaca and I’m so grateful that so many of us have made our homes here,” said Eversley Bradwell.

One of the highlights of the day were the “de-constructed panels,” a series of casual conversations between accepted students and current IC students. At one panel, President’s Host Cami Weldon ’25 shared one of her favorite aspects of life at Ithaca.

“I love having professors that know me by name, who know where I’m from and what I’m struggling with and what I need help with,” Weldon said. “My favorite resource is knowing that professors are always available. It gives me the opportunity to engage with things outside of the classroom.”

Grace Leininger, an accepted student in the School of Music, traveled from Albany to learn more about IC.

“This has been a really good way to learn about living on campus and engaging with the community,” she said. “It’s been so helpful to learn about the college as a whole, not just my specific department.”

Kaizer Slater appreciated that the in-person nature of the event allowed the opportunity to connect with current students.

“It’s so nice to be able to talk with the students,” said Slater “I’ve heard about so many of these programs, but it’s great to actually be able to see everything in action.”

In addition to those opportunities, student organizations tabled in the Glazer Arena, and admissions counselors were present. Students were given tours of their respective schools and information sessions as well. There were also opportunities to speak with representatives from the Office of Student Financial Services and the Office of Residential Life, making sure students and their families had access to all the information they needed to make their decision.

After getting the chance to enjoy lunch with current students in a comfortable atmosphere, accepted students and families ended their day with “Cookies on the Concourse,” a relaxed event where students and their families could mingle, pose for pictures in front of balloons that spelled out “2026,” and enjoy some treats.

“I’m thrilled with the success of our Ithaca Today programs,” said Laurie Koehler, vice president for marketing and enrollment strategy. “Numerous students and family members shared with me how impressed they were by not only the organization and content of the programs but also by how welcoming and helpful our IC community members were.”