Creating Memorable And Immersive College Visit Experiences

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About the Episode:

In this episode, Jeremy and Dr. Matt McLendon from the University of Alabama talk about their new, state-of-the-art welcome center, and how the Crimson Tide works hard to create a memorable and immersive visit experience for prospective students and families.

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Key Takeaways

• Campus Visit Experiences Are Crucial: The "feel of campus" remains a top decision-making factor for prospective students. Small details can make or break a visit.
• Matching Expectations with Reality: Students arrive with preconceived notions about a campus. Successful institutions meet or exceed these expectations.
• The Power of Immersive Spaces: Interactive environments like the Randall Welcome Center can showcase academic and extracurricular opportunities, enhancing the student journey.
• Consistency Across Campus: Delivering a seamless, high-quality experience across all departments is vital for institutional success.
• Storytelling in Recruitment: Training tour guides to share authentic, personalized stories resonates deeply with prospective students.

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Episode Summary

Why Campus Visits Matter

Jeremy and Matt kick off by discussing why the “feel of campus” is often the top decision-making factor for students. Families invest time and money to visit, so institutions must prioritize creating memorable experiences. Matt emphasizes the importance of attention to detail and thinking through every step from the prospective student's perspective. Alabama’s goal: to ensure every family feels their visit was worthwhile.

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The Randall Welcome Center: A Game Changer

The University of Alabama's Randall Welcome Center exemplifies the integration of immersive technology with personalized experiences. Highlights include:

• The Roll Tide Room: A 360-degree, multimedia experience capturing the excitement of SEC football.
• Interactive Features: From touchscreens showcasing study abroad opportunities to video-driven glimpses of academic life, the center immerses visitors in what it means to be a part of Alabama.
• A Dynamic Space: Designed to evolve as Alabama's offerings grow, ensuring relevancy for years to come.

Matt notes that the project was guided by a simple mandate: “Be the best.” This principle drove decision-making, from concept to execution.

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Ensuring Consistency Across Campus

Jeremy challenges Matt to explain how Alabama delivers on its promise of excellence across all touchpoints. Matt attributes success to a campus-wide culture that prioritizes student experiences. This requires intentionality, collaboration, and accountability. He acknowledges the challenge of maintaining consistency but believes continuous effort and leadership commitment keep them on track.

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Building Authentic Connections

The episode also highlights the power of storytelling in recruitment. Matt shares how Alabama’s tour guides—trained to balance institutional messaging with personal anecdotes—create authentic, impactful interactions. For schools with smaller budgets, he advises focusing on a framework of essential talking points paired with personalized stories that connect emotionally with prospective students.

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The Role of SEC Football in Recruitment

SEC football, particularly Alabama's storied program, often serves as an introduction to the university. Matt explains how the community-building aspects of game day—traditions, rivalries, and shared experiences—resonate with prospective students, even those less interested in athletics. However, he emphasizes the importance of showcasing academic and extracurricular opportunities to create a well-rounded appeal.

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Connect With Our Host:
Jeremy Tiers

https://twitter.com/CoachTiers

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