Admissions Office Adapts Quickly to Reach Students

In response to the coronavirus situation, the Admissions Office has been conducting live virtual visits since the week of March 16. 
For a multitude of reasons, college admissions staffs across the country have had a difficult job in recent years, and closures related to COVID-19 drastically changed many plans already in place. Like so many others on campus, the Truman admissions staff made immediate changes in an attempt to move forward and be prepared for life after the coronavirus.

“Spring is a busy time for recruitment. When the University took the needed precautions in response to COVID-19, the admissions staff canceled remaining showcase and visit events,” said Tara M. Hart, director of admission. “After personally notifying registered students and families, we quickly developed a way to share Truman’s campus and story with prospective students.”

Admissions staff members reached out to student ambassadors and faculty volunteers for panel discussions that were livestreamed daily. Live events have been a fixture of the Truman admissions process since the week of March 16.

After initially working with a number of campus offices to bring the events together quickly, the Admissions Office has since made the change to livestreaming through its customer relationship management software. Using the current CRM software allows the staff to incorporate screen-sharing capabilities and a chat option for visitors with questions.

The admissions staff also made an eight-minute campus tour available online, and they are currently developing plans for multiple virtual admitted student events planned throughout the month of April.

While technology is helpful in the current situation, some old-school methods are also proving useful. Members of the staff are working to alter and strengthen Truman’s communication efforts through email, text, mail and handwritten notes.

“Like so many aspects of a college experience, there is something special about in-person interactions, and that’s also the best way to show off the beauty of our campus,” Hart said. “This current situation is not ideal, but all things considered, we have adjusted quite well.”

Prospective students and families interested in learning more about Truman can find information at visit.truman.edu or by contacting the Office of Admission at admissions@truman.edu or 660.785.4114.