A group of 3 University teachers are discussing their university 's open day. Are you both coming to the university 's open day? Yes, of course I'm coming. We're all expected to, aren't we? Yes. Why do you ask? Are you coming? Yeah, of course I'm going to be here. But to be honest with you, I'm not entirely sure why we're having one. We don't really need to attract more students. We have a good reputation as one of the best universities in the country, and this is reflected in the high number of applications we receive from gifted students both from here and from overseas. As it is, we already have to turn so many strong applicants away. It seems to me that by trying to increase the demand to study here, all we're going to do is disappoint more and more students. I admit that could be one of the effects, but I understand why we're having an open day. Prospective students are looking to find out whether or not we're going to be a good fit for them. They want to get a feel for what we can offer them, even if they're sure they want to enroll. It helps us to manage expectations better if they have some idea of what it's like to study here. That's true, Elena, but I also think there's another reason for doing it. A high reputation leads some young people to think they aren't good enough to study here, and so they don't bother applying. Typically they're from a state school background and don't always have the self confidence that is instilled in students from private schools. We have to show them that people from all backgrounds could be successful here if they have the talent. Yeah, I can see how recruiting applicants from a range of backgrounds will lead to a more diverse student community here. I know we've sometimes been accused by our critics, unfairly in my opinion, of being kind of an elitist institution. So this is probably a good thing. In fact, in my classes I've had a number of students from more modest backgrounds who performed to a very high standard. The university has recruited a number of first year student volunteers who'll be there to welcome visitors and show them around. They'll try to reflect the University 's move towards greater diversity. I know those chosen from our department have been properly briefed. They're a good lot and we can depend on them. I only hope that the other departments have made their choices with this in mind. Yes, as well as showing them around, they'll also sit with them over coffee and try to answer any questions that come up. I'm pleased that they've been encouraged to be completely honest with their answers rather than just try and paint a perfect picture of the university. Because I'm sure prospective students would be able to recognise the sales pitch if they heard it.