A Program of Iowa College Aid

CAMPUS VISITTOOLKIT

ABOUT THE TOOLKIT:GEAR UP Iowa is committed to building a college-going culture and starting the conversation about the possibilities after high school with campus visits. This GEAR UP Iowa guide is created to help with the campus visit planning process by giving you tools to know what to do before, during and after a campus visit.

Schools that routinely take students to local institutions have found that the visits help students envision a different future for themself.1 Spending time on college campuses and learning about academics and available extracurricular activities helps students imagine what it would be like if they were in college. This helps challenge misconceptions. This toolkit contains everything you need to plan a successful campus visit.

WHY ARE CAMPUS VISITS IMPORTANT? The direct experience of a college visit is a key component to raising college awareness. Visits build upon the expectation of postsecondary education for all students and supports the message: Students can go to college and should start preparing now. Research shows that students who attend at least one college visit are 1½ times more likely to enroll in college after high school graduation, and even 3 times more likely if a parent attends the campus visit with the student. (Tillery, 20132)

While college brochures, catalogs and presentations can help students form an opinion of a school, nothing compares to the impact of actually setting foot on campus. Students may discover something about a school they never considered, while others might find a school they assumed was a good fit isn’t the best school for them; two realizations that can reduce the likelihood of transferring schools once in college.

For many GEAR UP Iowa students, a GEAR UP-organized campus visit may be the first experience with a college campus, making visits not only important but life-changing experiences.

1. Casey Family Programs. (2006). It’s My Life: Postsecondary Education and Training. Seattle, WA.2. ”The Summative Impact of College Access Interventions: A Program Evaluation of GEAR UP North Carolina”

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“Research shows that students who attend at least one college visit are 1½ times more likely to enroll in college after high school graduation, and even 3 times more likely if a parent attends the college visit with the student.”

IN THIS TOOLKIT

Campus Visit Planning Essentials ................... 2

Scheduling Campus Visits with Partner Colleges ......................................... 5

College Tour Resources ................................ 6

Additional Resources ................................... 6

Planning a Campus Visit Checklist ................. 9

Student Resources ..................................... 10

CAMPUS VISIT PLANNING ESSENTIALS:One of the most time consuming aspects of the campus visit process is planning. Taking time to plan out the logistics for your campus visit will make for a more seamless experience for you and your students. Here are a few items to keep in mind when you are going through the planning process.

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+ HOW MANY STUDENTS SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN A CAMPUS VISIT? Most colleges limit how many students can participate in a group visit. Be mindful of capacity and student-to-staff ratios. Many colleges have a pre-determined or set ratio, generally 15:1 for high school students and 10:1 for middle school students. This is to ensure a safe and smooth visit and help keep students engaged.

+ WHAT ARE POSSIBLE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS & WHAT SHOULD I BE AWARE OF?

Possible options are a school bus or private charter. Be aware of any mileage restrictions from your transportation provider.

+ HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD BE ALLOTTED FOR A CAMPUS VISIT?

Make sure to create a tight schedule with little downtime. Be flexible in case of unexpected events. Have contact information for the admissions representative in case you are running late.

+ WHAT WILL BE OFFERED IN TERMS OF FOOD?

Meals are not usually provided by colleges. Schools should budget for lunch if the visit takes place during a meal time. School sack lunches are a good option. Review the dining hall rules and remind students to be mindful of those around them. Other students and guests will be eating in the same place.

+ WILL I NEED ADDITIONAL CHAPERONES?

Prep chaperones prior to the trip. Don’t assume they know details and rules. Could parents benefit from attending with students as chaperones? Have backup chaperone(s).

+ WHAT FORMS ARE REQUIRED BY SCHOOL, DISTRICT AND GEAR UP IOWA?

Attendance logs are required for campus visits. This must be entered in SCRIBE following the visit.

WHO SHOULD GO?The GEAR UP Iowa cohort is inclusive of all students, with the intended goal of exposing every GEAR UP Iowa student to a four-year public, four-year private, and community college before graduating high school. However, due to cost, it may not be possible for every student to attend each campus visit.

Here are some suggestions to help with selecting students:

Students can be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis or visits can have a more targeted approach:• First-generation students.• Minority or culturally-specific.• Based on career inventory when visiting a school that aligns with students’ career interests. For example, if

there is a large group of students who are interested in agriculture as a career, choose a campus that has that career focus. Hands-on student activities in that area would also be a plus.

Other things to take into consideration:• Will this student have the opportunity to attend another campus visit? • Will this campus visit have a positive impact on the trajectory of this student’s academic journey?• It’s important to not use campus visits as a reward. There should be genuine interest in attending.• Can this campus visit opportunity open up the potential to discuss college fit and GPA and how these correlate

to college options and success? Take advantage of this opportunity to enlighten the interested student.• Use SCRIBE to keep track of which students went on each visit to ensure students aren’t visiting the same

college multiple times.

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+ GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS

• The most effective campus visits are when students, families and teachers work together to be prepared for the visit and reflect afterwards. Make sure to have these conversations with students and families. Also incorporate fun ways to learn about the college campus!

• Discuss the purpose of visits.• Set expectations.• Incorporate pre- and post-college-going activities (See downloadable resources starting on page 6

for a variety of activities).

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE VISITInfo Session: An admission representative talks to you or your group about the college before the campus tour.

Campus Tour: These are usually led by current students or admissions representatives. You’ll see the main parts of the campus and have a chance to ask questions.

An “Extra:” Something that is additional to the traditional visit, potentially unique to the school. Examples:• Attend a sporting event• Tour athletic facilities• Tour or activity at a specific school• Attend a class• Meet with a professor• Meet with an admissions officer• Meet with a financial aid officer• Attend a club meeting or a sports practice session• Eat in the dining hall• Spend the night in a residence hall• Student panel• Presentation from various programs such as TRIO, multicultural affairs, campus activities

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SCHEDULING CAMPUS VISITS WITH GEAR UP IOWA PARTNER COLLEGES:GEAR UP Iowa has partnerships with over 20 different colleges and universities in the state. Many of them have specific visit guidelines. Therefore, it is necessary to work with your GEAR UP Iowa Facilitator to make sure the guidelines are being followed.

Iowa State University: All visits at ISU must be scheduled through your GEAR UP Iowa Facilitator.

University of Iowa: Visits can be scheduled online (https://admissions.uiowa.edu/visit-campus/special-group-visits) by GEAR UP building staff. Please mention that you are with GEAR UP Iowa.

University of Northern Iowa: Visits can be scheduled online (http://uni.edu/admissions/forms/group-visits) by GEAR UP building staff. Please mention that you are with GEAR UP Iowa.

Private Colleges and Universities: Most visits can be scheduled through the admissions website or directly with an admissions representative. Always mention that you are part of GEAR UP Iowa. Your GEAR UP Iowa Facilitator can provide admissions contact information if needed.

Community Colleges: Similar to private colleges, community college campus visits can usually be scheduled online or through an admissions representative. Always mention that you are part of GEAR UP Iowa. Your GEAR UP Iowa Facilitator can provide admissions contact information if needed.

+ FYI

The following GEAR UP Iowa guidelines apply to visits at most partner colleges:• Visits are limited to 40 students and a max of 15:1 student to chaperone ratio is required.• Visits can begin at any time but 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. is preferred in order to allow time for a

complete visit.• A four-hour visit may include:

o Admissions Presentation o Campus Touro Residence Hall Touro Special Activity (not included in two-hour visit)o Lunch (not included in two-hour visit)

• If going to the college campus for a visit is not possible, talk to an admissions representative about visiting your school.

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COLLEGE TOUR RESOURCESInvesting In My Future Historically Black University and College Tour The Black College Tour takes place during Des Moines Public Schools Spring Break. The tour targets students in Des Moines and surrounding communities. The Black College Tours will provide students with information needed to strategically prepare them for college and beyond. They will receive an enhanced awareness of the academic programs, entrance requirements, career opportunities, financial resources and social and emotional support mechanisms offered by HBCUs as well as the members of IIMF. Fees include an application fee and, once accepted, a nonrefundable reservation fee. There will also be fees to include ground transportation to and from colleges/universities, lodging, meals and all activities during tour. College tour offered in the fall and spring, focusing on colleges and universities in the state of Iowa.

Contact information: Email: info@investinginmyfuture.org Website: www.investinginmyfuture.org

Iowa College Tour The Iowa College Tour hosts a spring college tour that visits historically black colleges and universities. The tour is catered to students in Eastern Iowa. $500 fee includes:

• Roundtrip transportation• Hotel accommodations• Breakfast meals each day• Guided tours with campus admissions• Sightseeing tours

Contact information: Email: info@iowacollegetour.org

Fly-In and Diversity Programs from College Greenlight Fly-in programs allow students from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds to visit and explore college campuses for free! College fly-in and diversity programs offer all-expenses paid trips for students who wouldn’t otherwise have the means to visit a college campus. Several colleges have partnered with College Greenlight to offer free fly-in programs including travel assistance, overnight programs, scholarships and diversity programming. Visit College Greenlight for more information.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCESThe CVWV College Visit Toolkit outlines a planning timeline, best practices and activities to ensure that your school’s visit to a college campus is a success.

Oregon GEAR UP’s College Visit Toolkit helps you plan a relevant and engaging campus visit.

KNOW HOW 2 GO CAMPUS SCAVENGER HUNTWhatThe KnowHow2GO Scavenger Hunt is a fun and interactive way to get students to tour a local college and become comfortable and familiar with a campus environment. The event requires students to form teams and find locations on a list provided to them within a set amount of time. The team that proves they’ve visited the most locations wins a prize.

WhyCollege campuses can be a daunting place for pre-college students, especially those who’ve never visited. The Scavenger Hunt is an entertaining way to introduce students to a college campus — and let them explore it on their own. Students can prepare for or re-create this experience at KnowHow2GO-U, an interactive virtual campus, at www.KnowHow2GO.org.

WhoThe Scavenger Hunt is targeted at students in grades 8–10. However, the game is suitable for most middle and high school students, provided there is adult supervision.

Others Items Needed • Campus maps for participants • Copies of the scavenger hunt list • Pens/pencils for each student/team • Camera phone or camera phone for each team leader • Prize(s)

Basic Instructions 1. Identify a campus that will allow you to host the event. Then, reach out to the schools’ admissions director to

ask permission. 2. Once you secure a campus and a date, ask for a guided tour and suggestions for locations to include on

your Scavenger Hunt list. 3. Finalize the scavenger hunt list using the Sample List of Campus Locations/Actions provided. The list should

include locations on the campus of choice that students can prove they’ve visited through photos or other tangible evidence.

4. Ask about any security access issues (if buildings cannot be entered without student ID cards, etc.) 5. Require student teams to sign up in advance of the event and set standards, such as: teams must have four

students in grades 8 – 10. Each team should elect a team leader and finish the Scavenger Hunt within an agreed-upon time.

6. At the end of the time period, compare finds and debrief activity with students.

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SAMPLE LIST OF CAMPUS LOCATIONS/ACTIONS FOR SCAVENGER HUNTThe list you provide to students will depend on the campus. Remember to ask about any possible security issues, rules or guidance. Use this list as a guide as you’re planning your event: Earn one point per item, unless otherwise noted.

• Find out how many foreign language courses are offered. • Find out the name of the university’s mascot. • Find out where first-year students live.• Find the gymnasium and write down their hours of operation for the day. • Find the name of the campus radio or TV station. Earn a bonus point for taking a picture at either location. • Find three faculty offices. Write down the professors’ names and office hours. Earn a point for each pair. • Go to a fraternity or sorority house, and ask for the name of its president. Earn an extra point for taking a

picture with him or her. • Go to an arts building and take a picture in front of a student display. • Grab a brochure or flier about a student organization. • Jot down the names of two campus cafeterias or food stands.• Learn the name of a cultural organization or association on campus.• Locate the public bus stop nearest to campus. Write down the cross streets.• Pick up a copy of a free campus newspaper.• Pick up a brochure from the health center. • Pick up an informational brochure from a career center. • Sketch a picture of a statue on campus. • Take a picture in a computer lab.• Take a picture in a science lab. • Take a picture in or around the football stadium. Earn an extra point for a picture taken on the football field. • Take a picture in the university bookstore. Earn an extra point if everyone in your group is wearing something

with university colors. • Take a picture of college students studying.• Take a picture with a student wearing a university sweatshirt or t-shirt. • Take pictures on a bench that’s been dedicated to an alumnus. • Talk to five students—write down their names, majors and hometowns. Each conversation is worth one point.• Visit a campus library and ask the librarian how many volumes they have. • Visit the admission office and pick up an application. Earn an extra point for finding out the school’s

minimum ACT score. • Visit the financial aid office and collect a FAFSA form. Earn an extra point if you find information about a

scholarship.

PLANNING A GEAR UP IOWA CAMPUS VISIT CHECKLIST (for coordinators)

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TO-DO3-6 months prior

Contact college (see ”Scheduling Campus Visit” protocol)

Determine purpose of the campus visit

Make sure Iowa Grants is current with campus visit information

Invite parents or other guests

Coordinate with GEAR UP Iowa Facilitator and review guidelines for college partners

1-3 months prior

Campuses may have an online tool to assist in the scheduling of the tour

Have several dates available for scheduling flexibility

Be clear on purpose of visit

Consider meal needs

Prepare students and/or parents

Prepare college or subject curriculum

Recruit chaperones

Administrative tasks for school

Substitute requests

Transportation and lodging (if applicable)

Bagged lunches (if applicable)

Parent college night (optional)

2 weeks - 4 weeks prior

Send and collect permission slips

Check in with college contact

Connect with graduates of your school who are studying at the college

Present related curriculum to students

Schedule substitute teachers, if needed

1 week prior

Check in with college contact

Confirm and orient chaperones

Assign groups of students to chaperones

Present related curriculum to students

Advise students/chaperone what to wear

Nametags (optional)

Pre-Visit Survey (optional)

Parent Night (optional)

Parent Night (or 1 day prior) (optional)

Remind students and chaperones and review expectations

Be sure to have maps, directions, parking information, phone numbers

Contact college with any major changes

After

Thank you notes written by students

Post survey (optional)

Assist Facilitator with collecting match (if necessary)

Maintain the momentum from the visit by hanging college swag and pictures in a GEAR UP Iowa corner or office at your school

Share photos and feedback with your GEAR UP Iowa Facilitator

Post pictures on social media using the #GEARUPWorks and #IAmGEARUP

Ask students to write about their experiences to share in GEAR UP Iowa publications

Enter participation in SCRIBE

Start planning the next one

Other

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STUDENT RESOURCESThe following pages contain a checklist for students to use when preparing for a campus visit and worksheets they can use during and after their visit.

Planning for your campus visit Ideas to help students get excited and prepared for their college visit.

Questions to ask during your visit Questions students can ask college students, professors and financial aid personnel during their campus visit.

After your visit Gather information from your students about their campus visit experience.

TO-DOBefore Your Visit, Get Prepared:

Explore the college’s official website and review any materials the college has sent you. This will help you come up with questions specific to that college.

Make a list of questions to ask both staff and students.

Get your parents involved and discuss pros and cons about the college you’re visiting.

Get a map of the college campus and check the location of the admissions office. Pinpoint places on the campus that you would like to visit.

During Your Visit, Remember to:

Get as much as you can from the visit. Put your phone down. Listen and ask questions.

Take notes to capture your impression of what you see while it is right in front of you. It’s easy to forget details once you’ve left the campus.

Take pictures to remember your visit. Share on social media using the #GEARUPWorks and #IAmGEARUP.

Keep an open mind.

Make fair comparisons of the colleges you visit. Print out several copies of Big Future by The College Board’s Campus Visit Score Card.

PLANNING FOR YOUR CAMPUS VISIT

A campus visit is a great opportunity for you to find answers to your questions, gain valuable information and help decide if the school is the right place for you. Since you are a part of the GEAR UP Iowa program, there will be organized campus visits that you may have the opportunity to attend. Talk to your GEAR UP coordinator about opportunities for a campus visit. If there is a college you are interested in visiting with which GEAR UP Iowa is not in communication, you can plan a visit by contacting the college admissions office directly.

QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING YOUR VISIT

Ask the Tour Guide or Student:

What are the best reasons to go to this college?

What’s it like to go from high school to college?

What do you do in your free time?

On the weekends?

What do you love about this college?

What do you wish you could change about this college?

Why did you choose this college?

What is it like to live here?

What does the college do to promote student involvement in campus groups, extracurricular activities, or

volunteerism?

Ask the Professor:

What are the best reasons to go to this college? Can a student be mentored by professors, graduate students or

upperclassmen?

How does the college help students have access to professors outside class?

How many students do research or other kinds of projects that last a semester or more?

Ask the Financial Aid Office:

What is the total cost for students to attend this college? Has this cost risen?

How much do your students usually end up owing when they graduate?

Additional Questions:

AFTER YOUR VISIT

Which college did you visit?

What did you like best?

What would you change?

What did you learn?

How would you rank this school from 1 (low) to 10 (high).

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Other things you want to remember: