Since the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of what would have been a record-setting Spring Preview, Florida A&M University (FAMU) has found a way for even more prospective students to experience the University – digitally.
Scheduled to launch on Monday, May 4, the FAMU Virtual Preview is designed to re-invigorate interest and inform all prospective students, their parents and counselors about the University’s academic program offerings, career opportunities, scholarships, and student life.
“We hope this Virtual Preview gives prospective students an idea of what they missed when they were unable to visit the campus in person but prepares them for the awesome experience awaiting them at FAMU,” said President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “Great things happen here every day. We are looking forward to welcoming new Rattlers and preparing for the future together.”
More than 3,000 students had registered for the Spring Preview this year, the most ever, said William Hudson, Jr., Ph.D., vice president for Student Affairs. That interest came after the University received more than 11,000 applications for first-time-in-college students in fall 2019.
“This spring we were looking forward to introducing thousands of students to our campus, so they could get a glimpse of why generations before them have come to the “Hill’,” said Hudson, whose staff is leading recruitment efforts.
The ongoing pandemic makes their job more difficult.
“COVID-19 will have an impact on how we look in the fall,” Hudson said. “But we want students to know that FAMU will be open and ready to offer them transformational experiences on their journey to a successful career. The Virtual Preview is just a digital foretaste of what’s to come.”
The Preview is shown on a virtual reality platform that enables visitors to experience the University from a 360-degree perspective. For a more immersive experience, viewers can use a virtual reality headset, although that equipment is not necessary to enjoy the tour.
The tour is split into stops for all schools and colleges and student life. They can visit each destination in their preferred order.
The Virtual Preview is also geared to expose viewers to the upgrades in facilities and new construction such as the FAMU Towers residence hall, the Center for Access and Student Success (CASS) student services building, and the amphitheater.
Transfer students are also a key recruitment target. Through the IGNITE program, FAMU is trying to attract scholars and high performers with scholarships to incentivize their commitment. IGNITE students with a 3.3 GPA or higher will automatically be considered for the Florida Community College scholarship.
The University has set a fall enrollment goal of 10,000, which includes attracting a robust freshman class, transfers and retaining students who are on the way to graduation. The University wants to have a fall freshman class of 1,460, Hudson has said.
Beginning May 4, view the Virtual Preview at FAMUTUBE1887 on YouTube.
