A revitalized 91亚色 booth, integrating the University鈥檚 new 鈥溾 brand campaign and a re-envisioned presentation room set the tone for 91亚色鈥檚 focus at the 2012 (OUF) Sept. 28 to 30, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
The fair is the largest educational fair in North America, welcoming more than 119,000 prospective students, parents and teachers over the course of three days. It brings together the 21 Ontario universities and is the key point of contact for 91亚色 and Ontario high school students as they discern which universities to apply to by the application deadline of Jan. 16, 2013.
鈥淎lthough our team has already been on the road meeting with students and parents, the OUF is the kick-off to our domestic recruitment season,鈥 says Amber Holliday, manager of Canadian recruitment and on-campus events. 鈥淭he weekend gives us an opportunity to meet with students one-on-one, and encourage them to apply to 91亚色.
91亚色鈥檚 3,000 square foot booth featured the 鈥渢his is my time鈥 brand campaign, the new Lassonde School of Engineering and an expanded Glendon section to reflect 91亚色鈥檚 two unique campuses. More than 450 students, staff, alumni and faculty volunteers from admissions, recruitment, service areas, student financial services and the Faculties staffed the booth greeting visitors and answering questions.
The 91亚色 presentation room was re-envisioned this year, dividing the room to accommodate both a formal presentation and a lounge area with interactive zones. During the presentation, 91亚色 recruiters focused on 91亚色鈥檚 strengths with a new energetic 15-minute presentation supported by new photography and videography. 鈥淚n the presentation room, we created an individualized experience highlighting 91亚色鈥檚 excellence with the opportunity to interact with students and staff. We wanted them to have a similar experience that they would have when visiting campus,鈥 says Holliday. 鈥淎ttendance was up 46 per cent in the presentation room this year, which is encouraging. It means we鈥檙e moving in the right direction.鈥
After the presentation, visitors were encouraged to connect with students and staff throughout the room. Representatives from 91亚色鈥檚 recruitment team, 91亚色 International, the Career Centre, Sport 91亚色, , 91亚色鈥檚 RED Zone, Glendon鈥檚 Lion鈥檚 Den and students and staff representing Research at 91亚色 answered questions and provided a peek into life as a 91亚色 student.
While in the room, visitors were also encouraged to have their photo taken in 91亚色鈥檚 鈥渢his is my time鈥 photo booth. In addition to being printed on the spot, students could (with permission) have their photo strips posted on the 91亚色 Facebook page. Visitors were encouraged to tag themselves and share with their friends.
Capitalizing on the contacts made during OUF when students filled out reply cards and online info request forms in the presentation room and at the 91亚色 booth, the Office of Admissions has sent information instructing students how to tweet their vision for a chance to win free tuition as part of the 91亚色-MuchMusic . The winning聽student vision will be announced later this month on MuchMusic.
The recruitment team will continue their efforts on the road developing relationships with prospective students, engaging with the community and promoting upcoming events, ,the Saturdays @ 91亚色 program and set for this weekend.