CSU Bakersfield has invited high school seniors from McFarland to visit the campus on Wednesday, Nov. 13 according to a press release from Director of Public Affairs and Communications Jennifer Self. “McFarland Day @ CSUB” will be a day–long event at which prospective CSUB students will tour the campus, participate in Runner Hour, and interact with current students.  

  “McFarland Day @ CSUB [is] part of an initiative at the region’s four-year public university to build and nurture a culture of college attendance in Kern County” Self wrote in the press release. 

  Initiatives such as McFarland Day are part of CSUB’s increasing outreach efforts, particularly into rural areas of Kern County. According to the release, in McFarland only 3.5% of the population holds a bachelor’s degree, compared to the 15.8% for Kern County overall.  

  “The best way to turn those numbers around is for the region’s university to work closely with the K-12 districts in our area to change perceptions about what is possible with a college degree,” President Lynnette Zelezny said. 

  The day will begin with a pep rally at 8:30 am outside the Doré Theater and will include CSUB’s band, spirit squad and Rowdy mascot. President Zelezny will then begin the welcome program alongside McFarland Unified Superintendent Samuel Resendez, and event sponsor and CSUB Alumni Hall of Fame member Gene Tackett.  

  McFarland seniors who attend will also receive a tour of the student housing east complex, which would serve as their required residence if they choose to attend CSUB after the recent residence rule changes.