Alumni Volunteer Opportunities

College Fair Representative

Throughout the year, the University of Minnesota is invited to attend college fairs hosted by high schools and communities across the nation. These fairs are designed to bring a number of colleges and universities to one location--exposing students and their families to a broad array of educational opportunities.

What does a college fair representative do?

As a college fair representative, you will share your collegiate experiences with high school students, field questions, and hand out admissions materials on behalf of the University of Minnesota. Our college fair representatives:

• Provide a welcoming, pressure-free environment in which interested students can gather information at their leisure.
• Review admissions materials in order to provide current and accurate information to prospective students, parents, and counselors.
• Share personal experiences, and emphasizes that every student at the U of M has a different collegiate experience based on his or her own interests and character.
• Have friendly, enthusiastic, and positive attitudes.

What does a college fair representative need to know?

• Arrive at the college fair at least 30 minutes before it is scheduled to begin.
• Refrain from using unofficial recruitment materials. Unfortunately, "giveaways" are prohibited, so we ask that if you are representing the U of M, you only use the materials mailed to you by the Office of Admissions.
• If a student or parent asks you a question for which you do not know the answer, take the inquirer's name and contact information. An admissions counselor will get back to him or her as soon as possible.
• Remain positive about other schools, even if a student asks for a direct comparison. We believe that the University offers an outstanding educational experience, but we also respect our peers in higher education.

Admitted Student Liaison

The recruitment process does not stop when a student has been admitted to the University. The next step for an admitted student is to confirm his or her enrollment. Admissions decisions are made beginning in October, but many high school seniors do not confirm their enrollment until the spring.

What does an admitted student liaison do?

As an admitted student liaison, you will contact admitted students by phone to congratulate them on their admission, share your collegiate experiences, and encourage them to confirm their enrollment to the University of Minnesota. Our admitted student liaisons:

• Contact admitted students about their admission to the University with a congratulatory phone call.
• Relate positive personal experiences to the student's interests and goals, keeping conversations positive but honest.
• Learn about what each student is seeking in a college experience by asking open-ended questions.
• Share with students how the University of Minnesota can provide them with an outstanding education and exceptional resources.
• Begin to build a relationship with the student, and if you are comfortable, provide him or her with your contact information.
• Encourage students to visit campus.

What does an admitted student liaison need to know?

• The Office of Admissions will provide calling and background information for students in your area.
• Take detailed notes on each conversation so an admissions counselor can follow up with the students as well. The Office of Admissions requests any updates on interactions with students.
• Thank each student for their interest in the University of Minnesota and encourage them to confirm their enrollment.
• Complete the calling lists by the deadline given. We will ask you to send your lists back to the Office of Admissions when you have completed your calls.

Admitted Student Event Host

Admitted Student Receptions

Throughout the spring and summer, the University of Minnesota hosts several events for admitted students and their parents. These events serve as an opportunity for the Office of Admissions to work with alumni to bring the U of M to students living outside of the Twin Cities.

Receptions focus on promoting the benefits of attending the University of Minnesota, encouraging admitted students to confirm their enrollment, and sharing with students the "next steps" towards a successful transition to the University. Admitted student reception hosts:

• Help determine a location for the event.
• Provide food and refreshments.
• Mingle with students and their families.
• Share their personal U of M experiences with students.

Summer Send-off

In August, the University of Minnesota Alumni Association and Office of Admissions coordinate summer send-off picnics. These picnics are for freshmen starting at the U of M in the fall who live certain states outside of Minnesota. The events are a great opportunity to welcome students to the U of M community and to introduce them to the U of M Alumni Association. Summer send-off hosts:

• Help determine a location for the event.
• Provide food and refreshments.
• Mingle with students and their families.
• Share their personal U of M experiences with students.