Vince talks about the "Money Walk" and I think that is important concept to think about. What are the students seeing? They are usually seeing it for the first time and so that first impression is important. While staff may not mind that one of the classrooms has a garbage can that is constantly full or that the multimedia doesn't work because they have already seen the presentation, the student may notice it.
Thanks for the great feedback Shannon. To answer your question if time permits I would have my student pick up, touch/hold some of the training aids in the labs and also to take a moment or so to have them sit at a desk in an empty classroom, maybe have a short conversation while in there, or have them observe a class that is in session if possible.
Thanks,
Laura
It's so great that you have an awareness of where you might want to improve your tours. I get the feeling that if you felt you had a bit more time, you'd take the opportunity to ensure that your students could really get a feel for the labs and classrooms. I'm curious, what specifically might you do to help your students have that experience?
The campus tour should not just be informative. I believe it should be interactive too. I would probably change the amount of time that I spend with my student in the labs/classrooms by letting the student get the feel of the training aids and possibly let them sit for a moment at a desk so that they can picture themselves as a student. I tend to just walk into the classroom and explain a few things in there and then walk out... it's a bit rushed maybe.
Having your students envision themselves at your school by touring classrooms and meeting key faculty members is a great thing to include on tours, Raj! How would you personalize this even further for your prospective student?
This is a great idea, Elizabeth! Not only are you offering your prospective students living "proof" of success at your school, you're also validating your current students choice to attend your school and that the hard work and effort they're putting forth is worth it. Love it! Let me know how your students (prospective and current) respond.
It sounds like you utilize the tour as a way to help your student feel more comfortable with your school and even get more specific answers to questions they might have, Lauren. Keep up the good work! Including potential instructors on your tour is a great idea. Customizing your tour to each students individual needs demonstrates that you've been listening and provides a memorable experience for the student.
I think even though I have had perspective students meet their potential instructors in the past, that I need to make it a staple to all tours. It allows them to ask questions about the program that I might not be able to answer and makes them feel special that the instructor has taken time out for them.
I would have them meet the instructor and have them show the student the classroom.
I would like to take more time to talk with the enrolled students. They can relate the best with the future students. They are also the ones the future students trust the most.
