Visitations with a Purpose: Applications & Yield Presented by: Stacy Fair Director, Parent, Family, & Visitation Services North Carolina State University

Session Objectives To provide an overview of visitation programs at NC State University highlighting technology and standardization To specifically target three programs: University Open House, daily visits, and Experience NC State To present ideas that can be adjusted to fit any institution Bonus: the secret ingredient SACRAO 2013

NC State University The largest University in North Carolina. 24,000 undergraduates 34,000 total student population 8000 faculty and staff Land grant institution founded in 1887 Strong focus in the STEM areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Also known for agricultural programs, textiles and veterinary medicine Large urban campus spread throughout North Carolina’s capital city, Raleigh (Home of SACRAO 2014!)

Families expect visit options at multiple times throughout the day High school and middle school groups expect tailored visits that meet their individual schedules Guest Expectations All guests expect reasonable parking accommodations (cost and proximity) Guests expect to be led Guests visit as their schedule allows: weekends, evenings, holidays

Logistical challenges Limited space in the Joyner Visitor Center One multipurpose room that seats 100 One boardroom that seats 12 Visitor Center is isolated from the heart of campus. Limited and/or pricey parking on campus Limited staff Demand for visits continues to rise

Information Sessions at 10:00 and 1:00 Optional bus tours through Centennial Campus at 10:45 and 1:45 Hour-long walking tours of main campus at 11:15 and 2:15 Bus “pick-up” trip from Main Campus to the Visitor Center. Visits end at 12:30 or 3:30. On select Saturdays, we offer walking tours at 10:30am. Special group info sessions at 11:00 with a 12:00 walking tour T, W, H Transfer information sessions Fridays at 2:00 with tours at 3:15 Ambassadors serve on “tour teams” and provide the tour at the same time, same day each week, using the same route. Standardization: NC State Visitation Experience

One style does not fit all. Technology meets additional needs. Mobile phone tour Smart phone tour app GPS based audio visual tours

Mobile phone audio tour Audio phone tour of main campus – can be accessed from any mobile phone. Nearly all guests have a mobile phone The tour can start and end at any location Tour can be downloaded ahead of time Readable version is available as well Great for Groups, Guests who arrive outside of regular visits, as well as evening and weekend guests Does not need to be returned! Low cost – just like adding a new office line

Smart phone tour app Works on iPhone and Android Available any time and anywhere GPS enabled Does not need to be returned to the Visitor Center Allows us to show video clips of the inside of buildings One time annual expense

GPS enabled audio-visual bus tour Flexible – we can make the route longer or shorter as needed Specific – we can state look to the right and you’ll see… Allows us to show the insides of buildings and the student life that takes place inside Eliminates the need for extra students or staff to physically lead a tour. Requires only one bus driver per bus

Impact of enhancements for guests Flexibility, tours on demand, tours to fit any schedule Options, options, options Provides an “experience” - something memorable, fun, and “techie cool” The options allow us to focus on purposeful visits that lead to applications and yield, while still providing “service” to all visitors.

University Open House Hosted in mid-October for prospective students and their families and open to the public Moved from a centralized model to completely decentralized in No set schedule, no guided tours, campus is truly open for all guests to explore and create their own experience. Partnerships with Admissions, academic colleges, pre-professional programs, student services offices and extra-curricular programs Pre-registration is encouraged but not required Serves about 7000 guests on one day from 9-2.

Experience NC State Visits hosted in the spring for accepted students Program includes: Opening session Breakout “Experience Life at NC State Sessions” Optional tours of campus, the library, the gym Lunch on their own, with time to visit the bookstore and key offices Events hosted by their particular college Limited to 450 guests per event. Individual Colleges host their own open houses and programs for accepted students in addition to those mentioned Embrace NC State – multicultural visitation day

Bonus: The secret ingredient

Resources Bar Z Adventures: products.html, (512) Automated Tours.com: (954) Flurry Analytics:

Contact Information Stacy Fair Director E. Carroll Joyner Visitor Center 1210 Varsity Drive Campus Box 7404 Raleigh, NC