The Office of Admission is excited for one of the busiest, and most important, times of the year. This spring, hundreds of future Bearcats will engage both virtually and in-person in a diverse menu of campus visit and event opportunities.
“The spring is our busiest visit time because we experience the merging of two populations. Admitted students are visiting in order to officially decide if they can see themselves as Bearcats. Younger students are visiting as a way to kick-off their college search,” says Caitlin Harper, director of admission marketing and events. “Our goal is always to ensure the best experience possible for our visitors, regardless of where they are in the process and whether they’ve flown to Salem from across the country or have logged in to Zoom from the comfort of their home.”
As for in-person visits and events, every effort will be made to ensure the safety of all visitors as well as the Willamette community, including conforming to all current campus health and safety protocols and adjusting as policies potentially change.
How can you help?
There are a few simple things everyone on campus can do:
- If you see someone on campus who looks like a visitor, give them a warm welcome.
- Wear your nametag at all times so visitors can easily identify whom to ask for assistance.
- Show your Bearcat pride by wearing your favorite Willamette gear and/or colors, especially on Bearcat Day.
- Offer to give directions or answer questions for anyone who might seem a bit lost or confused.
- Check your website and make certain it is up to date.
- Encourage visitors to explore the campus by visiting The Bistro, the bookstore, Hallie Ford, campus events, etc.
- Give recommendations of your favorite spots in Salem: restaurants, shops, parks, etc.
- Be patient on event days. Parking might be tight and lines in Goudy might be longer.
Below you will find details on what visit elements and admission events are being offered by the Office of Admission this spring.
Daily Campus Visits
In-person
Schedule: Three visit blocks, including an information session, campus tour, and optional admission interview, Monday through Friday. One visit block is offered on most Saturdays.
Additional visit elements:
Students currently in their application cycle (i.e. applied, admitted, committed students) will have the option of customizing their visit with activities that will allow them to more deeply connect with our community.
- Class visits - Faculty, please watch for an email from the Office of Admission asking if you would like to opt-out of offering any/all of your classes to visiting prospective students. You may also indicate the number of spots available for visiting prospective students in your class(es).
- One-on-one meetings - Many prospective students request to meet specific community members who work in areas aligned with their interests. We greatly appreciate your receptiveness to receiving these requests and the time you are willing to share with our prospective students.
Virtual
Schedule: Two information sessions per week (Mondays at 2 p.m., Wednesdays at 11a.m.) and two campus tours (Mondays at 2:45 p.m., Thursdays at 11:30 a.m.). Admission interviews are offered daily at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Additional visit elements:
- Campus Connections - Many prospective students request to meet specific community members who work in areas aligned with their interests. We greatly appreciate your receptiveness to receiving these requests and the time you are willing to share with our prospective students.
Questions about daily visits? Contact: Hayden Dentinger, Campus Visit Coordinator hdentinger@willamette.edu, x5367
Events
Prospective student events:
Junior Preview Day (on-campus)
- Saturday, Feb. 26, 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- An event for prospective students who are just beginning their college search process featuring educational workshops and general Willamette information
Admitted student events:
Bearcat Day
Virtual
- Saturday, March 5, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- A “day in the life” virtual event for students who have been admitted to the entering class of fall 2022 and their families. Audience: Students who have been admitted to the entering class of fall 2022, plus their families/guests. Content includes a student life Q&A panel, mock classes, and a virtual campus tour.
In-person
- Dates: Friday, March 11; Friday, April 1; Friday, April 15
- Time: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Our signature admitted student event. Programming includes a hosted meal in Goudy, class visits, campus tours, a Student Life & Resources Fair and “Open Hearths”, and concluding with a catered “Tase of Salem” dinner and optional evening social activities. Concurrent programming will occur for families/guests.
In-person
- Dates: March 11-12; April 1-2; April 15-16 (concurrent with Bearcat Day)
- This fly-in campus visit program for admitted students from underrepresented populations is designed to introduce them to our inclusive and welcoming community and begin connecting them to important resources and student spaces on campus. Students will participate in all Bearcat Day programming, giving them a holistic admitted student experience, then continue with A2E specific workshops and sessions on Saturday.
- All costs associated with travel and participation for the student and up to one guest will be covered.
Virtual
- Sunday, April 10, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Designed to bring the in-person A2E content to more students in a virtual format. Programming will include keynote addresses and panels, an interactive small group session to explore themes of diversity, inclusion and equity, and a campus resource-focused tour.
Virtual
- Saturday, April 23, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Audience: Parents/guardians/family members/etc. of students admitted or already committed to the entering class of 2022. There is no limit to registration as this is a virtual event.
- Content: Through panel Q&A sessions with community members and small breakout discussions with parents/families of current Willamette students, we will address the specific questions of parents/guardians/family members/etc. of admitted students and introduce them to the resources available that help their students succeed at Willamette.
Questions about events? Contact: Angie Hamilton, Assistant Director of Admission Events ahamilton@willamette.edu, x5338