Western New England University recently hosted more than thirty school counselors from institutions throughout New England, New York, and New Jersey. The visitors came for a full-day of tours and meetings, and to get a first-hand look at the facilities, and learn about the academic programs available to prospective college students from their institutions. The morning began with presentations by Bryan Gross, vice president for Enrollment Management and Marketing, and Linda Jones, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.
“These school counselors play a major role in helping their students find the best fit and make the right choice of where they will attend college,” explained Olivia Mazzarella, assistant director of Undergraduate Admissions at Western New England University, and tour organizer. “These on-site tours help the school counselors learn about our support systems available to students, see the University’s facilities up close, and meet with several key faculty members who direct academic programs.”
Meetings were also held with admissions staff, and the visitors were able to speak directly with students from each of the University’s colleges about their personal experiences on campus.
Dana Clark from The Williams School in New London CT explained, “Institutional culture is important. Knowing how a campus makes you feel, by visiting and meeting people, is a very important part of understanding the institution’s culture. Statistics only go so far in helping students and their parents make their decision.”
During a lunch reception the school counselors had an opportunity to ask questions and hear from additional staff members, including Jeanne Hart-Steffes, vice president for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, and Kerri Jarzabski, assistant vice president for Enrollment Management and Retention, and Dean of First Year Students.
“It’s very helpful to be on the campus and actually picture my own students here,” explained Jessica Nelson, associate director of Career Connections, from Landmark College in Putney, VT. “Actually seeing these college students and interacting with them, allows me to better recommend a college for my students. It’s that tangible feeling you don’t get from looking on the website or reading a brochure.”
