(originally published to KC Examiner.com on January 31, 2012)
The campus visit is a critical component of any college planning process. Second semester of junior year is an ideal time for college-bound students (and their families) to spend time on the college and university campuses that match their interests. Many institutions, including the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS, will host special day-long visit programs designed to meet the needs of students in this phase of their search.
A more focused or academically tailored follow-up visit during senior year is advisable for those, who after visiting a first time, determine they will apply for admission in the fall.
(originally published to KC Examiner.com on January 25, 2012)
Most college-bound students recognize that there is more to a college or university than simply the acreage upon which the school sits. The community surrounding a campus can have great impact on a prospective student's view of the institution, as well as the experience of enrolled students.
Inn keepers often have a devotion to the community and its history and, in smaller locales, the college is typically an integral aspect of the town's past. Discovering the impressions of a school from an "outsider" who is still "in the know" can prove invaluable in learning about an institution's relationship and impact on its surroundings over time.
Many bed and breakfast homes offer the charm of their historical pasts with the conveniences of modern life, especially those inns that cater to the business traveler. This might include in-room wireless internet access, flat screen televisions with DVD hook-up and cable channels, and even jacuzzi bathtubs.
Rates are typically in line with those of chain hotels, and sometimes, may be more affordable. Home cooked dinners and/or breakfasts, coffee on the porch, and cozy fireplaces are perks often found at bed and breakfasts that are more difficult to enjoy at traditional motel or hotel locations.
Tiffany Miller, the Inn Keeper atParkville'sMain Street Inn, provides guests with an additional queen sized inflatable mattress, making it even more economical for families traveling together to visitPark Universityor other area campuses.
SAMPLING OF BED & BREAKFAST INNS NEAR KANSAS CITY AREA CAMPUSES
When planning your next campus visit, no matter where in the country, consider staying at a bed and breakfast within the local community.
And parents, once your child has selected a collegiate abode, choose a bed and breakfast to take advantage of pampering away from home each time you visit for Parent's Weekend or other special occasions with your college student.
As part of a recent whirlwind trip to eleven campuses in two states, my tenth visit was at Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX (outside of Austin). I was rather impressed! Here are a just few notes about my time on campus:
My first stop was the brand new Admission Center, which opened in February 2009. It is a LEED certified building, which struck a chord with my "green" personality. I was also quite thrilled that in each restroom stall, there is a large cut out shelf for placing items, particularly backpacks. Let this be a model for public restrooms everywhere!
Student visitors, as well as myself, were welcomed with a sign showing our names.My own undergraduate alma mater did this (maybe still does?), but it is a tradition fewer and fewer campuses seem to take the time to do for their guests.It was a welcomed…welcome!
Pirate Bikes.Love this program!Donated in 2004 following the death of a Southwestern alum in a cycling accident, these bright yellow bikes are found everywhere on campus.If as a student you need a ride, find a bike and use it to get to your next campus destination.Then simply leave it outside the building for the next person to use.If a bike is in need of repair, park it as usual, just upside down!
When students prepare for and return from study abroad or longer term service projects, they participate in a "debriefing" of sorts, an opportunity to discuss the experience and to reflect upon the "why" and "how" and "what next" regarding the trip. I have never heard another campus representative mention such follow-up to national and world travel.
The Peideia (pronounced py-day-uh) Seminar is an interesting enrichment opportunity, allowing a cohort of ten students from different academic disciplines to enhance their education over the course of three years by discussing current issues, how coursework relates to real life, and making connections across fields of study.Peideia groups are also provided with a small budget to fund additional educational activities together.What a unique way to facilitate learning for more than a grade or a credit earned!
Close to my heart is the fight against breast cancer.What does this have to do with Southwestern?The cross country coach is Francie Larrieu Smith, who is not only a five-time US Olympian, but whose likeness was printed nationally on Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure t-shirts prior to the foundation rebranding and creating a new logo.Francie is on MANY of the shirts in my closet!
And finally, the Southwestern Honor Code is both an oath and a pledge.The Honor Oath, recited during orientation, says, "As a student of Southwestern I hereby pledge my full support to the Honor Code. I pledge to be honest myself, and in order that the spirit and integrity of the Honor Code may endure, I pledge that I will make known to the Honor Code Council any case of academic dishonesty which I observe at Southwestern."And the Honor Pledge, which is written and signed on all assignments reads, "I have acted with honesty and integrity in producing this work and am unaware of anyone who has not."
Pictures from my visit to Southwestern University are posted on the Essential Elements: Comprehensive College Planning fan page on Facebook.
Summer is an incredibly popular time for students and their families to visit college campuses. Students are out of school, parents are able to take time off from work, and it is easy to plan a college tour or two while on the way to or from a travel destination. But if a student is truly interested in a particular school, a summer visit should be viewed as a first visit to that campus, not as the only visit.
The usual rules apply when preparing for a summer campus visit:
Officially schedule your time on campus at least two weeks in advance. Do not just show up and expect an admission staff and faculty to drop everything to make your experience valuable.
Plan to arrive early, especially if visiting a larger campus community. Allow time to get lost , find a parking spot, and make your way to the admission office. You do not want to be the family who holds a tour group from leaving or who interrupts an information session by arriving late.
Dress appropriately. Keep in mind that campus tours are walking tours and can last an hour to an hour and a half, so comfortable shoes are also imperative.
Items to keep in mind when scheduling that summer campus tour:
Most college/university campuses do offer a selection of summer courses, so you will see some students on campus. However, the number of summer school students in no way compares to the number of academic year students. It is difficult to see what a 40,000 student campus really looks like when 5,000 are there for summer. It is just as difficult to gauge what a 2,000 student campus looks like when less than 400 are taking summer courses.
Professors who are not teaching summer courses are not typically available to speak with prospective students.
The availability of classes to sit in on are few. And summer courses are often quite different that what a student would experience in that same course title during the academic year.
The community surrounding that campus will appear different in the summer months. A campus town may not be as lively with students frequenting its shops and restaurants and no student discounts will likely be prominently advertised.
Student parking may seem more available than it actually is when all students with cars are also trying to park their vehicles.
The students themselves are not as representative of the campus community. You are seeing a smaller selection of students, so it is more difficult to gauge your own fit within the student community and how students typically dress for class.
Planned campus student activities are a rarity during the summer months, so it is not so easy to get a feel for what the college/university provides for student education outside of the classroom and for student entertainment.
This does not mean to skip summer campus tours!
It simply means that if you did not enjoy the campus, keep these items noted above in mind as you continue to research the campus. It is okay to not like a college and to delete it from your list of prospective schools. That is the purpose of seeing a campus outside of the pages of a viewbook or the virtual tours on their website.
But it also means that if it was a school you really enjoyed and could see yourself attending, a follow-up visit during the academic year should be considered required. Use planned days off from school to make a second visit or wisely utilize the campus visit days provided at your high school to visit again. Many admission offices host admitted student events that can include an overnight visit experience. Take advantage of these special opportunities!
Summer travel is a fantastic opportunity to combine a family vacation with a collegiate campus visit, but these particular tours should be seen as a first visit, not an only visit.
Happy and safe travels!
