Admissions implements new strategies
By Megan Frounfelter
Staff Writer

With the implementation of a new in-depth summer training workshop and performance incentives, the admissions office is in the process of enhancing the tour guide program.

“The Admissions Office recognizes the importance of first impressions when prospective students and their families visit campus, thus tour guides often play key roles in the students’ final college decisions,” said Marsha Whitehouse, assistant director for campus visit programs.

This year admissions has implemented two major changes along with several additions to the tour guide program.

“We have made an emphasis on personalizing the tours,” Whitehouse said. “We take pride in offering a one-on-one campus tour experience for our prospective students and their parents.”

“We have made conscious efforts to match the interests and activities of prospective students with those of our tour guides.

This way, it is much easier and more fun to carry on conversation during the hour long tour,” said Jennifer Daniels, admissions operations coordinator.

“Most importantly it makes the prospective students feel more comfortable and at home here.

Prospective students value the one-on-one personal attention that the tour guides are able to give them.”

The second major difference that has occurred is a directional change in the tour route.

“We want to stress academic programs at Albion, so touring the academic buildings during the first portion of the tour highlights the diverse opportunities available,” Whitehouse said.

“This also creates the opportunity for faculty members to interact with prospective students as they tour the different departments.”

Along with the more traditional tour guide training, guides can expect to see occasional training messages in their e-mail.

“Online training came about through tour guides telling us that they would like some ongoing training through the year in between our regular meetings,” said Randi Heathman, Horton sophomore and tour guide coordinator.

“The system is a great way to get a lot of information to everyone without having to organize a formal meeting and because it is ongoing, we can instantly send information about new happenings on campus as soon as we know what is going on,” Heathman said.

“Tour guide training is no longer sporadic in the office, it is now a constant process that makes us all better tour guides. The more we know, the easier our jobs are.”

Other additions to the tour guide program include a pay increase, matching tour guide shirts, as well as name tags.

These changes and additions have been welcomed by the campus community. “We have heard many wonderful comments.

The changes are well accepted and favorable,” Whitehouse said.