Counselor Visit Programs?

Marisa,

We run a program each May that brings locals counselors to campus for a luncheon. We generally highlight a new building or particularly interesting program. We've had anywhere between 10 and 20 counselors at the event, with varying degrees of success. I think they definitely appreciate the opportunity to leave their office and visit our campus. If nothing else, it affirms our relationship with them, and I expect it probably influences them to say good things about Hope to the students with which they work.

When I worked in Admissions, we had a guidance counselor event affectionately known as "The Shrimp Bowl."

The event got its name because it was basically a reception and the highlight was a HUGE bowl of fresh shrimp cocktail in the middle of the room. Guidance counselors loved it and it became kind of famous in a way.

We would do a short 5 minute presentation highlighting what was new that year and thanking them sincerely for their efforts in helping us reach our admissions goals.

We spent a little more money on a giveaway for this event and gave the counselors something really nice for taking the time to come be with us. I can certainly tell you the money was well worth it.

When I would go out on high school visits, I would always get questions about "The Shrimp Bowl." "When is it?" "Can you tell us what the gift is this year?" "Can I bring my spouse?"

Even as an overworked and underpaid admissions counselor, it was an event I never minded attending (even though it was work).

Hi Marisa! I have been the co-chair of a counselor bus tour of 11 colleges in the Philly area one week a year. If you want to talk, shoot me an email at brynj@udel.edu and we can exchange numbers. WAAAAAYYYYYYYY too much to tell you over this!!!!