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The College Fair

 

This Handbook will give you all the information you will need to attend a College Fair Program for LHU.  Contact Angela Hakes in the Office of Admissions if you have any additional questions.  This section includes information on the College Fair, including Preparing for the Fair, Arriving at the Fair, Table Set-Up, During the Fair, After the Fair, Returning Materials, and Misc. Info.  

I. Preparing for the Fair 

  •  About 2 weeks prior to your scheduled program you will receive a box of supplies from the Office of Admissions.  It will contain all the materials you will need for the program; the literature, banner, prospect cards, etc.  Please check the box carefully and become familiar with the LHU information and brochures included. You may also want to bring along your own supply of business cards to give out to interested students or parents.  Also, feel free to bring any LHU pictures or mementos to decorate your table.

  • Dress professionally but comfortable.  Wear comfortable shoes.  You will probably be standing for several hours so take care of your feet!  Please wear your name tag.  Occasionally the program invitation will invite you to wear clothing advertising your school.   Go ahead and show off LHU!

  • Get excited!  You are there to talk about your alma mater, so get psyched!

II. Arriving at the Fair

  • Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the program is to begin.  

  • Check in with the program coordinators and accept any assistance that they offer to help with your supply box.  Give them your name and let hem know that you are with LHU.

  • Most programs will assign tables, so look for the LHU table and set-up.  If the school doesn't have assigned tables then pick one.  Look for a high traffic area,  but not too near the entrance or exit.   Also, be aware of where the more popular schools for the area are located.  You want to be near them, to get the overflow, but not right next to them because their overflow might over run your table and keep interested people away.

III. Table Set-Up.  Keep the following in mind when setting up your table:

  • Make sure that your material are placed facing the flow of traffic.

  •  Place the pens and prospect cards as close to the front of the table as possible.

  • Keep it neat and orderly.  Don't put to much out with to start.  You can always add more later.

IV. During the Fair

  • Smile - it's a nice way to draw people to your table.

  • Always abide by the NACAC (National Association of College Admission Counseling) guidelines. NACAC is the governing body for admissions professionals.  LHU is a member of NACAC and we agree to abide by the guidelines of the Principles of Good Practice, a code of ethical conduct for all individuals involved in the admissions process.   Follow the link below to see the NACAC Guidelines for college fairs.

  • Never stand beside or in front of your table!  Always stand behind your table.

  • Don't intimidate students (we are not carnival barkers or door to door salespeople) but encourage them to ask questions.

  • Refer to your own experiences when answering questions.  Try to get a conversation going.

  • Refer any questions you can't answer to the Office of Admissions via the toll free numbers and email. 

  • Distribute any materials that the students and parents might be interested in.  Prospect cards are our way of knowing a student is interested in LHU.  Please encourage students to complete the cards and leave them with you.  However, the cards are postage paid so they can also feel free to take them home and then drop them in the mail.

V. After the Fair

  • Wait until the fair is over to begin packing up your materials.

  • When you pack up, set aside a few teaser brochures (when you have leftovers), and any applications you have left and give them to a program coordinator prior to leaving.  Please do not leave them on the table unless you are instructed to do so.  

  • Keep any extra literature for future programs or return it to LHU.

  • Complete any program evaluations the coordinators have given you and turn it in to a program coordinator.

  • Thank you host/hostess whenever possible.

VI. Returning Materials

  • After each program return the completed prospect cards and forward them with the LHU Program Evaluation Form to the Office of Admissions in the envelope provided.  We will follow up on the students with letters and information.

  • If you need to make any special notes for us please use the Comment Line in the Office Use Only box on the card.  If you need more space use the reverse, postage paid side.

VII. Miscellaneous Information

  • Attending a College fair with a member of the Admissions Staff.  Occasionally programs are assigned to Alumni Ambassadors as well as a member of the Admissions staff.   Your role will be the same.  You are there to answer questions and provide an "Alumni" point of view.  Please bring your materials in case the Admissions staff member cannot attend.

  • Last Minute Change of Plans.  If your plans change and you are unable to attend a fair, please do two things.  Call Angela Hakes at 570-484-2354 and leave her a detailed message.  Call the College Fair program coordinator and cancel the LHU table.  Apologize and let them know that they can call Angela Hakes if they have any problems or questions.