Each spring, the University of Washington can count on a flurry of visitors and tourists from around the world, but you might have noticed the additional increase of wide-eyed high school students taking photos and excitedly exploring campus. Throughout April, thousands of newly admitted Huskies and their families will come from near and far to attend a UW spring tradition: Admitted Student Previews.
“Students and families are here to learn if the UW fits them, and helping visitors feel welcome with a smile, an acknowledgment or by offering directions makes the UW much more personal and less institutional. We can demonstrate that we truly want these future Huskies to join our community.”
— Joyce Palmer, Office of Admissions
With more than two dozen events ranging from residential life tours to departmental drop-in sessions, Admitted Student Previews give recently accepted students a glimpse of what the next four years could look like, as well as a head start on making personal connections with the UW In addition to scheduled events, attendees also have free time to explore parts of the University that interest them most, from iconic sights like the Sylvan Theater Columns to buildings that house potential areas of study.
Beyond presenting the boundless opportunities and resources available at the UW, Admitted Student Previews “can be one of the most influential factors for prospective students in their decision to enroll here,” says Joyce Palmer, assistant director at the UW Office of Admissions. While 70 percent of last year’s attendees decided to enroll at the UW, Joyce has high hopes that the number of attendees returning for fall quarter will increase this year.
Of course, the opportunity to raise that percentage would not be possible without the efforts of the students, faculty and staff working at the events. Joyce adds that all faculty and staff can help provide an outstanding Husky experience for the attendees. “Students and families are here to learn if the UW fits them, and helping visitors feel welcome with a smile, an acknowledgment or by offering directions makes the UW much more personal and less institutional,” she says. “We can demonstrate that we truly want these future Huskies to join our community.”
#NewHuskies2015
Check out students’ social media posts and photos from Admitted Student Previews on the New Huskies Tagboard. Faculty and staff are also invited to welcome students by posting to the Tagboard using the hashtag.
For more information about Admitted Student Previews, contact Joyce Palmer at jlp11@uw.edu.