COLLEGE FAIRS

Summary

College fairs held at area high schools provide the opportunity for students to gather information about many different institutions at one time. By participating in such events, it is our goal to also connect a local graduate with prospective students. College fairs occur in the fall (September‑November) and in the spring (March‑May). Generally, spring college fairs serve prospective students who have just begun to inquire about the college search process (sophomores/juniors) while fall college fairs serve both early inquiries and students who are in their senior year.

On campus, regional coordinators receive invitations from area high schools and determine which programs we should attend. Prior to fall and spring college fair activity, a complete list of programs by area is emailed to volunteers. After reviewing the area college fair list, members of AVN are encouraged to attend the program(s) in their area. Alumni/ae who agree to attend a college night for us are sent a college night packet from the admissions office one to two weeks in advance of the program. The college fair packet contains current admissions materials, including:

  • HWS banner
  • HWS Catalogue
  • College night evaluation form
  • HWS hand‑out information pieces
  • Student inquiry cards
  • HWS viewbook
  • Return envelope

Directions to the college fair are included when provided by the high school. Otherwise, we suggest the volunteer call the high school to request directions.

The HWS banner and student inquiry cards collected at the college night program should be returned immediately to the admissions office with the evaluation form in the envelope provided so that requests for application/admission information may be responded to promptly.

Planning Timeline

One to two months prior to college night

  • Master list of college fairs emailed to area AVN members.
  • AVN members sign up to attend local college fairs.

One to two weeks prior to college night

  • College fair packets are sent to AVN members.

* AVN member checks packet to confirm date, time, receipt of appropriate admissions materials, and directions to program. Please note, if packet has not arrived or is missing information, the volunteer should call the admissions office immediately.

Day of college night

* Volunteer should confirm time of program, check for accurate directions, and plan to arrive 20‑30 minutes before college night begins. Arrange materials in an appealing way on the table, encourage students to fill out inquiry cards, return cards and evaluation form as soon as possible to the admissions offices.

Follow up

* AVN member returns inquiry cards and evaluation form.

* AVN coordinator confrims receipt of materials and corresponds with the volunteer to acknowledge their participation.

*Denotes Admissions Volunteer Network roles and responsibilities.