Fall Visit Days begins this week on Thursday, Oct. 17th and Friday Oct. 18th. Current high school students are invited to come to Gustavus between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to experience Gustavus. Prospective students will be able to sit in on classes, take tours of campus, and listen to presentations.
Fall Visit Days occur during MEA (Minnesota Educator Academy) Break, when educators go to workshops and students have the day off.
“It is a great time to visit Gustavus. The campus is bustling, the leaves are changing, and classes are in session,” Senior Associate Dean of Admission and Admission Visit Event Coordinator Lindsey Owens said.
“This experience offers students a fun and authentic experience as they begin or continue their college search. The ultimate goal is to attract future Gusties and leave them with a great sense of life on the Hill. It’s always fun to see current Gusties interact with our future Gusties,” Owens said.
“[The Admissions Office expects] to see “around 200 prospective students each day… the total number of visitors will likely range between 800-1,000,” Owens said. Visitors will be able to attend faculty-led departmental sessions in many different areas of study offered at Gustavus. They will also be able to observe sports and music practices, shop at the BookMark and check out the food in the dining hall with a complimentary meal.
“Planning for Fall Visit Days truly takes a village. We always appreciate the help from various departments, faculty, and students across campus,” Owens said.
The process begins with reserving space, sending invitations to over 50,000 students, and requesting presenters for the faculty sessions.
“[There are] lots of spreadsheets and planning, collaborating with colleagues to update materials and session content, meetings and memos with Dining Service, Event Services, and the Physical Plan. There [is a lot] of flexibility and attention to detail. It’s a fun and rewarding process,” Owens said.
However, some of the best experiences can not be planned for.
“We repeatedly hear from our visitors that interacting with current Gusties is a highlight of their visit,” Owens said.
“Gustie Guides are required to work Fall Visit Days, as it’s one of the largest touring events of the year,” Sophomore Korinna Hylen said.
Gustie Guides receive their training in the spring, which includes learning about rules and regulations of leading tours, being an overnight host, driving, and Title IX training. Guides are able to go on a mock tour and learn tips for leading their own tours around campus. After officially becoming a guide, there are monthly meetings with various departments around campus.