By Nathan Hamblen
For the Daily Titan

The place was filled with free books, free food and students eager to learn more about Cal State Fullerton’s English Department at their first ever open house held Tuesday, Oct. 27, in University Hall.

English professors and advisers were there to provide information about the English Department and their activities to the student population.

Assistant professor of English Erin Hollis said the open house is a good tool for students to utilize.

“It is good for students because it gets them to know more about the English Department in general,” Hollis said. “Students are able to talk to faculty they might not know and are able to learn about clubs they may not be aware of.”

Hollis was also there to inform students about classes that are going to be taught from a different perspective than before. “The courses aren’t entirely new, just new takes on them. They are going to be taught from a different angle.”

Students were also given the opportunity to gather information about English clubs on campus. Members from different clubs were there to promote their clubs and club activities.

Vice president of the Creative Writing Club Kristen McClure was there in hopes of recruiting more students to the club.

“The open house is good for clubs around campus because it allows us to get exposure to the student body,” McClure said.

The club is open to everyone, and students have the option of either joining or attending at their own leisure.

Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, was at the open house. They were promoting their club and informing students of the activities in which they are involved. The club is dedicated to English majors and students who love literature. Students who join can expect to receive cultural stimulation on college campuses and to promote interest in literature and the English language.

An English advisement table was also set up to provide current and prospective English students with information regarding classes they are interested in or need to take for their major. Flyers were available with a list of all English classes being offered in the spring.

English assistant professor April Brannon was on hand to discuss internships and how they are beneficial to students.

“If you are unsure of what you want to do when you leave this place, an English internship is a great thing to pursue,” Brannon said. “They give you the opportunity to try out a job or a couple of jobs before you choose your career.”

There are many different internships available to students. The internships are helpful in getting students exposed after they graduate. In the past, students have interned for well-known magazines such as W, Allure and Seventeen.

English student Wayne Lewis, 50, thinks they should hold events like this on campus more often. He liked that he was able to communicate with his peers and compare their college experiences with his own.

On what he found most beneficial from the open house Lewis said, “We are able to speak to these people and to get a good idea of where we are headed with our academic career.”

Students who attended the open house also had the opportunity to enter their name in a drawing to win free books. If a student’s name was drawn, they could choose a book of their choice from a small selection provided by the English Department.