Creative Strategies for Multicultural Visit Programs

Presenters: Terra Roane, Cyrus Nichols, Edward Pickett III

http://www.nacacnet.org/events/2014NationalConference/Housing/Pages/default.aspx

Contents

1. Introduction of the three universities 2. Leadership buy-in3. Costs4. Making it happen5. Communication6. Anatomy of programs7. Where programming meets priorities

The College of WoosterLocation: Wooster, OHEnrollment: 2,116

Programs Offered:• Clarence Beecher Allen

Scholarship Weekend• Posse Scholars

http://wooster.edu/admissions/scholarships/allen/

Tufts UniversityLocation: Medford, MAEnrollment: 5,148

Programs Offered:• Voices of Tufts Diversity

Experience- Fall• Jumbo Days- Admitted

Student Open House

http://admissions.tufts.edu/voices/

The University of IowaLocation: Iowa City, IAEnrollment: 31,065

Programs Offered:• Multicultural Visit Day- Fall

& Spring• Special Group/CBO Visits-

Fall & Spring

http://admissions.uiowa.edu/mvd

Leadership and Teamwork

• Starts at the top; the leadership team needs to support the activities

• Involve the entire office• Flexibility with responsibilities• Clear communication across parties• Funding

Costs

• Transportation Assistance• Giveaways- “swag”• Food• Parking• Lodging- occasionally

Transportation

• Travel grants• Travel coordinator or travel agent• Reimbursements

• Mileage/gas• Flights/trains

• Charter bus rental• Coordinated transportation to and from the airport,

train station, or bus station

Making it Happen

• Time: recruitment is a team effort• Fly-in programs• Scholarships• Food vouchers• Bookstore items• Student overnight hosts

Have a Communication Plan

With whom do you communicate?• Counselors, CBO’s, parents, students

How do you communicate?• Email, print media, social media, etc.

When do you communicate?• Often; save the date, registration open, prior to program

Anatomy of Program

• Meeting leaders on campus (staff and students)• Campus tours and/or scavenger hunts• Academic AND social options• Meaningful discussions• Late night non-party optional event(s)

Showcase Your Students

• Non-traditional panels• Student leadership roles• Diversity ambassadors• Hosting in dorms• Variety of activities and organizations throughout

campus

Blending of Programs

What offices & programming exist already?

• Partnering with the Center for Diversity & Enrichment

• Aligning programming with Engineering Open House

Scholarship Programs

Collaborate with campus partners who have a vested interest in increasing diversity on campus

• Deans, admissions, financial aid, academic departments

• Arrange packages in a way to leverage other forms of financial aid

• Bring students to your campus in cohort groups

Takeaways

• Attitude goes a long way• Contingency plans• Build in “down time” for overnight programs• Use feedback from evaluations

Don’t be afraid to try something new AND remember that your college is not for every student

Where Programming Meets Priorities

• Defining success• Arguing for more funding

o Analyze application and yield data

• Effective use of fundingo With limited funds where do you choose to spend them

• Structure of programo day, overnight, weekendo Scholarship opportunitieso Application/registration techniques

Contact InformationTerra Roane, College of Wooster

Assistant Director of Admissionstroane@wooster.edu

330-263-2126

Cyrus Nichols, University of IowaAssistant Director/Diversity Outreach & Recruitment

cyrus-nichols@uiowa.edu 319-335-1922

Edward Pickett III, Tufts UniversitySenior Assistant Director of Admissions

edward.pickett@tufts.edu617-627-4115