While NC’s Student Recruitment team may have put the brakes on their spring roadshow amid COVID-19, they have taken the College’s signature College Exploration Sessions online, offering personalized support to new and prospective students from across the province virtually.
“The College Exploration Sessions are a great way for people of all ages to begin their research into Post secondary option,” said Phil Hayes, associate director of Student Recruitment at Niagara College. Hayes went on to explain that these online interactions not only allow the participants to better understand the college, programs and related services, but also provides them useful tools and tips on how to conduct effective research to plan out their own personal plan.
The new Virtual College Exploration Sessions are designed for small groups by region, and one-on-one sessions with NC’s recruitment coordinators are also available by request to provide specialized support. NC staff spend an hour with students on video webinar platform Zoom, going over pathways and program options, admission requirements, residence, student services, and how to best prepare for becoming an NC student.
Graeme McMillan, a student recruitment coordinator, held his first virtual session with three future students from Niagara and Newmarket on April 29. “Everyone’s attitude was pretty upbeat. They were appreciative that we were offering these sessions and were happy to get information.”
McMillan says that students had a variety of questions, about the programs and related careers as well as questions about supports such as OSAP and financial aid, in order to prepare for the Fall 2020 term. During the sessions, Recruitment staff make use of NC’s recently revamped Virtual Campus Tour to walk students through campus spaces from the comfort and safety of their homes.
Stefanie Elia, student recruitment coordinator for the College, had a similar experience. “In a recent session I had an out-of-region applicant who had been admitted to a number of graphic design programs at various colleges. We reviewed information on specific courses with Niagara’s three-year program and saw how it supported her career plans. I think this personalized approach helped her decide NC was the right environment for her as she confirmed her offer,” said Elia.
Additional online sessions are being planned as both incoming students as well as their support networks often have questions they need guidance on. At the end of the webinars, there is time for one-on-one sessions, or, students can request a one-on-one session at another time.
Virtual College Exploration Sessions will continue to be offered daily at 11 a.m. and in the afternoons by NC’s team of recruitment staff throughout the spring and summer for students from Niagara and across Ontario.
