Best Practices: Student Guides Recruit Motivated Candidates

By Patrick Dwyer

From the recruitment perspective of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, there is no hotter prospect than the student who comes to visit UMass Boston. These potential students are usually well-versed on the programs, options, and services available at the university and have done their homework on admission requirements and application procedures. One of the most effective tools for recruiting these well-educated prospects is the student-led campus tour.

Departing from the undergraduate admissions office, campus tours are available daily without an appointment. The tours visit major areas of campus and are led by undergraduate and graduate student guides. They provide an invaluable understanding of UMass Boston that is impossible to show in a viewbook or website. This hour walk around campus illustrates our many strengths, from classroom size and special services to diversity and student involvement.

The quality of the student guide is critical in the success of the tour. The undergraduate admissions office employs 15 energetic, gregarious students who provide campus tours. Mark Schoening is one of these outgoing guides; he is a transfer student from Minnesota and a student enrollment leader. When asked what makes a great student guide, Schoening says, “It is the ability to read the makeup of each group. By giving a unique tour each time, the guide has a chance to make a lasting impression on prospective students. I’m able to let each student know what’s right for them.” All tour guides are trained on a suggested tour route and on important information to share with students, but are strongly encouraged to modify tours according to their own experiences as students at UMass Boston and to the needs of each group.

In addition to the groups taking the daily tours, many special-interest groups, ranging from five to over 100 students, visit the campus. Enejda Xheblati, a campus tour guide and UMass Boston student from Malden, has seen her share of special group tours in her nearly two years of experience as a guide. Xheblati says, “Many of the groups are younger junior high school students who are interested in knowing so much more than just the academic programs. They like to see some of the more fun things, like the greenhouse, the computer labs, and the gym.” As a tour guide, Xheblati relates well to prospective students and younger visitors alike, and presents herself as an exemplary ambassador of the university.

The Admissions Office is always looking for outgoing, friendly, well-spoken UMass Boston student tour guides. If you know anyone who is interested in becoming a student tour guide, call 7-6194.

Patrick Dwyer is the assistant director of Undergraduate Admissions. This column is part of a continuing monthly series featuring best practices at UMass Boston.

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