Future college students will have the opportunity to experience a taste of campus life during a free, action-packed open-house event at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches on two upcoming Saturdays, Feb. 20 and March 27.

Prospective students will get to visit with university faculty and staff, tour the campus and residence halls, and preview academic programs during the last two SFA Showcase Saturday events this academic year.

"There is no better time than Showcase Saturday to visit the beautiful SFA campus and experience first-hand what it's like to be a Lumberjack," said Monique Cossich, executive director of enrollment management.

"Guests are encouraged to visit one-on-one with our faculty to learn more about our quality, personalized academic programs, and our staff will be available to answer questions about everything from admission requirements to financial aid to residence life."

SFA is a comprehensive, residential university located in the heart of Texas Forest Country in Nacogdoches. More than 12,800 students attend SFA, which is within a few hours' drive of Texas' major metropolitan areas.

Showcase Saturday event registration will begin at noon on the first floor of the Baker Pattillo Student Center and will remain open until 1 p.m. Each person who registers will receive an information packet. The opening program begins at 1 p.m. and will provide an overview of the day's events.

Guests will then be able to visit with representatives of the academic departments until 4 p.m. at the Academic and Student Services Fair in the Student Recreation Center. Student service department representatives also will be on hand to provide information on campus life.

An orientation information session will be held at 3 p.m. in the Student Center, Regents Suite B. Orientation representatives will be available to answer questions and accept reservations and payments. Payments also will be accepted during the Academic and Student Services Fair.

Campus and residence hall tours will begin at 1:45 p.m. and continue until 5 p.m. Campus tours will take students on a guided walk of the SFA campus, while the residence hall tour will showcase several halls on both the north and south ends of campus.

Admissions counselors will be available to discuss admission procedures and requirements in the Rusk Building, Room 206, from 1:45 to 5 p.m.

Financial aid information sessions will be held at 2, 2:45, 3:30 and 4:15 p.m. in the Nursing and Math Building, Room 101. Residence Life information sessions will be held at 2, 2:30, 3:30 and 4:15 p.m. in the Student Center movie theater.

Participating students will receive a free SFA T-shirt after turning in a completed evaluation form at the Baker Pattillo Student Center Plaza from 4 to 5 p.m. For more information about SFA's Showcase Saturday, contact the SFA Office of Admissions at (936) 468-2504, or visit www.gosfa.com.