More than 1,000 high school students will descend on the Colorado State University campus Thursday and Friday, and campus community members are being encouraged to be welcoming and assist any visitors who have questions or need directions.

Journalism Day, being held in the Lory Student Center from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, is expected to attract about 1,400 young journalists from 59 middle schools and high schools around the state.

And on Friday, Oct. 10, the CSU Office of Admissions is hosting about 1,300 prospective students and their families as part of Explore CSU, an opportunity for high school seniors to meet with representatives from the academic colleges, take a campus tour, experience lunch in one of CSU’s dining centers, and attend an information fair and reception.

J Day, an event put on by the Colorado High School Press Association, was held at Mount Vista High School in Highlands Ranch last year due to the $50 million renovation that was under way at the Lory Student Center.

“We are glad to be back, because it’s a nice draw to get these students on campus,” said Jack Kennedy, CHSPA executive director and an instructor in CSU’s Department of Journalism and Technical Communication. “It’s great for CSU, and everybody loves coming here.”

He said the event features at least 45 speakers and 50 sessions, as well as about a dozen exhibitors. Revenue from the fees charged to exhibitors goes to student scholarships. More information about the event is available at http://col.st/DxcZv.

During Explore CSU on Friday, prospective students and guests will be parking in the Moby Arena Lot starting at 7:45 a.m. The event begins in Moby Arena at 9 a.m. and concludes in the Lory Student Center at 4:45 p.m. Campus community members will see an increased volume of visitors in the dining halls between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Academic sessions will be taking place in the Lory Student Center throughout the day.