In 2020, what in the college search isn’t going virtual? We have virtual high school visits, virtual college fairs, virtual open houses, virtual coffee shop visits and virtual conferences. Like 99.99% of college admissions offices across the country, we have embraced our new world in front of the camera. We have talked to some students, but like others we have also been met with empty Zoom sessions. There has been a lot of conversation about why many of these events have been met with lower than expected turnout.

I believe the main issue is that we are trying to do the same thing we did in-person and do it in a virtual format. Instead of taking a step back and asking and answering the basic question–“what do we want students to walk away from this event knowing?”–we just put the Zoom link into an email and rehash the same program/presentation/speech/etc.

When we began thinking about our traditional fall open house event, we were inclined to just take the elements of the in-person and do it on the computer and call it a day. Then, we thought more about it and realized we need to deliver something in a format that connects to students in a way that is authentic to who we are but also resonates with students. Our solution is our reimagined Sample ‘Southern events. Here is what we are doing:

1. Instead of inviting all students to one or two events, we are breaking these down based on geography. This allows us to talk specifics to students about what life is like on the Hilltop in a way that resonates and connects with them.
2. It is all about students connecting with students. Let’s be real, I could tell you about what our students do in Birmingham or what living in the residence halls is like, but high school students don’t want to hear it from me. First, I am more than twice their age (feeling old now). Second, I am on the payroll, therefore I must be biased. We are limiting the staff exposure and putting current students (from the geographic area) in front of students.
3. We are theming the events around our name–Birmingham. Southern. College. Birmingham is our backyard. Our students play, learn and serve our backyard. Southern is the life that happens on campus; from athletics to residence life to the social scene. Finally, College covers the academic component of the student experience.

Our intention with Sample ‘Southern is to make it the most impactful one hour of the college search process. Students can go to sample.bsc.edu and find their city, pick their day and register.