Providence, R.I.--A record number of future Providence College students and their families took part in the College's UP CLOSE program on February 14.

Nearly 1,200 people who make up the families of 400 incoming students of the Class of 2013 attended the program. The previous high turnout was last year's program, which was attended by just over 900 people and 300 students.

The event is held every February for incoming students who are accepted through the Office of Admission's Early Action program. Early Action students are those who identify PC as their top college choice, apply to the College by November 1, and have been accepted by early January.

Jennifer K. O'Connor, associate dean of admission, believes the high attendance can be attributed to the events being scheduled during the President's Day holiday weekend and February vacation for many high school students.

She added that because the program also was scheduled during Upperclass Family Weekend, families with a student already at PC were able to visit their current student, while taking in the UP CLOSE events with their future PC student.

"The energy on campus was great," she said. "With the excellent weather, a women's basketball game on campus, current Providence College families everywhere, and more than 100 of our own student, staff, and faculty volunteers, our attendees got a great sense of what a vibrant campus community we truly do have."

The events began at noon with a tour of the campus. After registration, Christopher P. Lydon '83, associate vice president for enrollment planning and admission, and College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. '80 welcomed members of the Class of 2013 and their families in the Peterson Recreation Center.

Following the welcome, informational panels were offered throughout campus on topics ranging from living on campus and student activity involvement, to service and spiritual life, to financing a PC education.

After several academic panels, the future students and parents attended sessions on parent involvement and education abroad before being addressed by Robert G. Driscoll, Jr., vice president for athletics and athletic director.

The day ended with dinner and a men's basketball game between PC and Rutgers at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in downtown Providence.

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