Staying committed to helping students learn more about the Millikin Difference
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for students to tour college campuses and compare schools, and Millikin University is no exception to these changes.
However, Millikin is providing a chance for students to customize their campus visit experience by taking advantage of one of several options: students can schedule a virtual campus visit day; experience MU through an online information session; or see Millikin's campus in person by scheduling an individual visit.
"Whatever your choice, we're here to help," said Shelby Baum, director of operations & events for the Office of Admission at Millikin, who offered insight into Millikin's options beginning with an overview of why campus visits are important.
"Campus visits are always important to students to see if they are going to connect with the university – you can look at as many brochures as you want to but nothing beats walking around and seeing the buildings, seeing the classrooms and seeing the students interact with one another," she said. "It's important to get a feel for things and to see yourself on campus, and finding your home away from home."
With the changes to campus visits during the pandemic, Millikin, starting last spring, began offering virtual online visits. "These are meetings with admission counselors where we go over the admission process. We also have a virtual tour option on our website that provides interaction on campus," said Baum.
This summer, Millikin University's campus reopened and began offering visits in small numbers with limited access to buildings. "We still want students to come and get some of that experience on campus while still maintaining proper social distancing and safety protocols. Everyone is required to wear a mask on campus and check their temperatures prior to arrival. Students can be here, but be safe at the same time," said Baum.
Virtual information sessions are offered two to three times per week for students via Zoom where they receive the same presentation they would get on campus. Millikin's virtual visit day options are longer sessions, close to two hours, featuring different areas of campus. "It's a little more encompassing and what you would get if we were able to do our open house programs on campus in the fall," said Baum.
Though nothing beats an in-person visit to Millikin University's campus, the institution is committed to helping students learn more about the Millikin Difference from wherever they are. Students can easily schedule a visit or sign-up for an online information session by visiting millikin.edu/visit. Millikin's next virtual campus visit day is Sept. 8 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
"We are doing our best to meet everyone's needs while still fulfilling the necessary restrictions and safety precautions. We want everyone to stay safe, we want people to still experience Millikin and to check us out virtually as well," said Baum.