[civsa] Information Sessions - Who Facilitates?

[DJ Dull-MacKenzie]

As institutions, we're all different from each other and the way we choose to present ourselves, so there's no one-size-fits-all approach that's necessarily  better or worse.
We utilize a staff of about a dozen, carefully selected and highly trained paraprofessional students for admission presentations about 80% of the year, particularly during reading seasons when it is not feasible for AOs to present. We emphasize the fact that we don't want people to travel all this way for a campus visit just to get administrative information that they could easily get online. We want visitors to get a sense of place and to try to determine "fit" --and for that reason we value the perspective of actual students who work in Admission. Obviously, extensive training and professionalism is key. We have rarely had complaints about student presenters. Prospective students in particular seem to relate more to the information when they can relate to the presenter. For the most part, I actually feel that they are more prepared and polished than some of our admission officers who may be less skilled at or comfortable with public speaking.
[cid:image002.jpg at 01D13991.E8C17A10]
-DJ
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DJ Dull-MacKenzie, '88
Director of Visitor Relations
Stanford University
Stanford Visitor Center
From: listserv [mailto:listserv-bounces at civsa.org] On Behalf Of Scott Kirkessner
Sent: Friday, December 18, 2015 9:54 AM
To: 'listserv at civsa.org' <listserv at civsa.org>
Subject: Re: [civsa] Information Sessions - Who Facilitates?

Good morning!  At my prior institution, for one year we had to have our two paid ambassadors (the group was volunteer, but these were our logistics coordinators) give the presentations.  They went very well - but we think one factor in this was that they were diligent in NOT informing the group they were students.  They dressed in business casual or professional wear and simply said they work for the Office of Admissions, and dove right into the presentation.  I don't think our guests knew the wiser :)

Training wise, I had them watch a handful of presentations and then practice in front of me.

Scott



From: listserv [mailto:listserv-bounces at civsa.org] On Behalf Of Joyce Palmer
Sent: Friday, December 18, 2015 10:47 AM
To: listserv at civsa.org<mailto:listserv at civsa.org>
Subject: [civsa] Information Sessions - Who Facilitates?

Hi, All!

Hope everyone is well!

My question: who facilitates your admissions information session: counselor, graduate student, undergraduate student? I ask because UW will beta-test having current students facilitate the session this winter-spring.

For schools that have undergrads serving in this role:


1.      Any pushback from colleagues, parents, other offices on campus?

2.      Do visitors feel they're missing something aka "special enough" by not having a counselor deliver this content?

3.      Do have best practices or training tips?

Thank you for any information.
Joyce
JOYCE L. PALMER
Assistant Director
Office of Admissions
Schmitz Hall Box 355852
1410 NE Campus Parkway, Suite 301  Seattle, WA 98195-5852
206.221.0652  /  mobile 206.919.6500  /  fax 206.685.3655
jlp11 at uw.edu<mailto:jlp11 at uw.edu>  /  admit.uw.edu
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Connect. Share. Tag #UW. <http://www.washington.edu/social/>


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