There’s a big difference between high school and university, and hundreds of secondary school students will find out just what those differences are at TRU’s mid-March Spring Break Experience.

Timed so high-schoolers can get a taste of campus life while classes are in session, this year’s event, to be held March 13 to 17, features tours and information on scholarships and awards, course selection, student resources, and specific programs of interest. Friday wraps up the week with the Discover the Difference Spring Break Conference for High School Students.

“Spring Break Experience is like a mini-orientation to university,” explained TRU Marketing and Communications Director Josh Keller.

“The main event, a conference for secondary students and their parents, is on Friday, the 17th. We’re calling it ‘Discover the Difference’ because it’s set up to let high school students actually experience what going to university is like.”

The conference, open to students in grades 10 to 12 and their parents, starts off with a complimentary Welcome Breakfast at the Campus Activity Centre from 8:30 to 9:20 am.

“No matter where a student has applied, the TRU Spring Break Conference will help them find valuable resources and strategies to see them successfully through their first post-secondary year,” said Keller.

Students can choose to attend workshops to find out about career development, financing their education, and surviving first year. The day gives students a choice of three timeslots for each workshop: 9:30 or 11:30 am or 12:30 pm.

Grade 12 students can also compete for prizes in the on line scavenger hunt in which they also find out how to electronically timetable, look up grades, check exam schedules, and enroll in courses.

There’s also a chance for students to get an inside look at university by attending a class. Classes are available at 10:30 am or 1:30 pm.

But Friday’s conference won’t all be workshops and talks, said Keller. “Students can relax and have fun at the recreation event starting at 2:30 pm, with games, contests and snacks.

“I’d also like to emphasize that the day isn’t just for students who have firmly committed to coming to TRU after graduation. This experience will give any student and/or parent a good overview of campus life.”

Keller recommends early registration, and notes registration closes March 10. Interested students and parents can register by phone at 1-888-522-4822 or 250-377-6105, or by email by fax to 250-371-5717 or online.

Registration isn’t required for guided 90-minute tours, which will be held Monday to Thursday at 10:00 am, 2:00 pm or 6:00 pm, or at 10:00 am, 2:00 pm or 3:30 pm on Friday. Those wanting a tour are invited to assemble at the Clock Tower building 2nd floor foyer five minutes before the scheduled tour time. -30- For more information, please contact Josh Keller at 250-828-5008 or by email.