More than 131,000 prospective students, their families and friends attended the Ontario Universities' Fair (OUF) this fall – and 91ÑÇÉ« was in the thick of it.
Lineups were held at the door and the space was at capacity. At times one had to yell to be heard over the din. The , which took place Sept. 24 to 26 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, is the largest of its kind and this year's attendance set a new record.
Hundreds of staff, students, alumni and faculty worked the 91ÑÇÉ« booth and presentation room for the three full days and distributed more than 56,000 91ÑÇÉ« publications, including the 2011-2012 91ÑÇÉ« undergraduate admissions handbook.
Right: Staff and volunteers answered questions for three full days during the Ontario Universities' Fair
"91ÑÇÉ« stood out in the vast Convention Centre. The University’s polished contemporary look was a red and white beacon among the 21 participating Ontario universities at the fair," said Ken Withers, director of recruitment & applicant relations.
The Office of Admissions and each of the nine Faculties were represented with backlit signs featuring the current viewbook covers, providing visitors with clear direction to explore their programs of choice.
The energetic volunteers answered a multitude of questions about 91ÑÇÉ« programs, scholarships and campus life. They also provided direction to those students unsure about how to investigate and evaluate postsecondary institutions.
Right: Professors who volunteered their time at the crowded fair found they had a captive audience
The connections made during OUF with future students and parents form the foundation of a progressive engagement process that includes welcoming students for daily campus tours, high-school visits, information fairs and chats. It also sets the stage for a keystone on-campus recruitment event, Fall Campus Day, taking place Nov. 13 at Keele and Nov. 14 at Glendon. Booth visitors received a magnetic bookmark promoting and reminding them how to connect with 91ÑÇÉ« online.
91ÑÇÉ« continued its "" campaign following its successful launch during last year’s OUF. Students were encouraged to text 91ÑÇÉ« using their cellphone for an opportunity to win their first year’s tuition at 91ÑÇÉ« as well as keep up to date with 91ÑÇÉ« news and events. Future students could also enter on the spot at one of 91ÑÇɫ’s laptop stations or put pencil to paper and fill out a reply card. The contest runs until the end of December.
Left: Attendees entered the "txt4tuition" contest on the spot at 91ÑÇÉ« laptop stations
All contacts gathered at OUF will be added to a growing customer relationship management database to ensure that prospective students are aware of upcoming recruitment activities and events. They and their families have already been sent an e-mail introducing the new , the new personal point of contact with the University.
One floor above the convention floor, visitors were welcomed by student volunteers at the entrance of the 91ÑÇÉ« presentation room. 91ÑÇÉ« not only offered a highly energetic and interactive 30-minute presentation, but for the first time had onsite displays. While the presentation highlighted student engagement and 91ÑÇɫ’s commitment to excellence, participants were able to speak one-on-one with representatives from the and discover 91ÑÇɫ’s work and student opportunities in the , a 124-hectare reserve that is part of the largest remaining pristine rainforest ecosystem in Central America.
Right: Student volunteers welcomed visitors at the booth and in the presentation room
Although the Ontario Universities’ Fair is well attended by Ontario high-school students, a growing number of International students and guidance counsellors also visit the fair. 91ÑÇÉ« was prepared with a fully-stocked, behind-the-scenes resource area, providing international students all relevant publications for international admission. Guidance counsellors received a gift bag of 91ÑÇɫ’s publications and promotions to share with their students and colleagues. An increasing number of parents attended the fair and this year came away with a full list of resources including 91ÑÇɫ’s parent bookmarks.
Building on 91ÑÇɫ’s success at the OUF, the Office of Admissions is on the road developing relationships with prospective students, engaging with the community and promoting upcoming events, campus tours, , the popular Saturdays @ 91ÑÇÉ« program, the Fall Campus Day and the Spring Gala.
"Student recruitment officers continue to reinforce the fact that 91ÑÇÉ« is the university of choice, visiting schools on a daily basis and reaching out to prospects on the ," said Withers. "E-ambassadors also connect online via Facebook and Twitter, promoting events, answering questions and developing our online community."
To learn more about recruitment events visit the page on the Ìý·É±ð²ú²õ¾±³Ù±ð.