(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.
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.
Planning a campus visit?
Here is an easy way to keep all of the sights front of mind and connected to the correct college/university. This is especially helpful when you are visiting more than one school a day, several days in a row.Before you go anywhere on campus, find a sign with the school's name. It does not have to be the largest sign on campus or the sign at the entrance to campus. I am infamous for finding a utility or maintenance vehicle! Take a picture of the sign and then every picture behind it will be taken on that campus.When you arrive at your second campus visit destination, repeat. This makes it easy to upload organized campus visit photos into whichever photo software you use. If you take good pictures (of the freshman residence halls, the building that houses your intended major(s), etc.), these photos will help later when you make your final college decision and choose where you will live freshman year.
