College admissions recruitment gets creative amid COVID-19
College prep time is a quintessential element to many high school students. A time to jump on the web and jump in the car to tour would-be colleges and universities, imagining what their life on campus could hold.
But the COVID-19 pandemic threw many of those normal experiences for a loop. No more crowds of eager prospective students filling tour groups. No more fairs with dozens of college representatives manning booths ready to talk about what their schools could offer. Things are very different, and very virtual.
“We needed a complete overhaul in the way admissions connects with prospective students and families,” said Herkimer College admissions director Denver Stickrod. “We had to abandon the traditional approach and throw the playbook out the window as we transitioned to a new game plan that lives primarily in a virtual space.”
At Herkimer, new programs were quickly developed to bring the college search experience online. Public virtual information sessions replaced traditional open houses, and one-on-one admissions counselor meetings were adapted to be held just as seamlessly over video chat as they would have been in person.
Stickrod said the biggest advantage is that many more students – not just those living in the immediate area – have been able to receive direct help and guidance about their futures, without sacrificing that personal touch that Herkimer College has become known for.
“We pride ourselves in connecting with prospective students and families, and we want your campus visit experience to be a lasting one that will deliver that feeling of wanting to call Herkimer College home,” he said. “We want to see you here, and can’t wait to welcome you into the Herkimer family!”
Want to learn more about Herkimer College? We have several ways for you to get more information:
Come see us in person
You read that right — campus visits are back! Come out to picturesque Herkimer County to see our 500 acre campus for yourself.
Walk around the buildings, meet with an admissions counselor directly, and even pair up with a current Herkimer College student to learn more about the student experience, firsthand! Visitors will get a special reserved parking space for the day, as well as a Herk Swag gift bag to get you in the Generals spirit!
All visitors will be required to follow Herkimer College’s health screening protocol and policies, including completing a health screening questionnaire, a temperature check, and wearing of masks while on the campus. All social distancing and PPE guidelines will be followed during the presentation portion of the on-campus visit, and each student will be separated and led by their own student ambassador for the tour portion.
Tour Schedule:
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week at 1:00 pm.
Housing tours are available after the campus tour with 24-hour advance notice.
Learn more, right from home
At this time, we understand not all students are able to make it to campus – for a variety of reasons. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all Herkimer College has to offer. We have several ways to link up with our admissions counselors, right from your living room couch or kitchen table.
Virtual Information Sessions
A virtual information session is the new-age Open House! Join a group of prospective students and their families online, and follow along as a Herkimer College admissions counselor gives a guided presentation about life at Herkimer.
Make sure to stay for the Q&A portion at the end!
Check the Virtual Information Session calendar
Virtual Meetings
Feel like you want more direct help? Our admissions counselors are available to meet with you one-on-one to walk you through all that Herkimer College has to offer, from the comfort of your own home.
Head to the Admission’s “Meet the Team” page to find your counselor, then click “schedule a virtual meeting” to set up a day and time to chat.
Regardless of how you choose to visit, we can’t wait to meet you!
This story was written by Kira Maddox, Herkimer College public relations assistant. Contact her at maddoxkl@herkimer.edu
