In-person campus tours resume
JOHNSON CITY (Oct. 13, 2020) – In-person campus visits at East Tennessee State University have resumed and the experience is better than ever.
Multiple campus walking tours are offered weekdays for groups of 12 or fewer, each
led by an Expedition Leader. These diverse undergraduate students guide prospective
students and guests on a journey to discover the educational and co-curricular opportunities
available among stunning campus scenery.
Expedition Leaders entered a robust training program this summer culminating with
a three-day on-campus fall training program. The nearly 30 tour leaders focus on ways
they can tell ETSU’s story from their own experiences and share information about
specific academic programs in order to personalize each visit based on prospective
students’ interests. They memorize ETSU history and trivia and focus on storytelling
and customer service strategies.
“These students are an indispensable part of the Undergraduate Admissions Office,”
said Sharon Leone, campus visit coordinator. “Their time with prospective students
and families is the reason many students ultimately choose ETSU. Expedition Leaders
receive a monetary stipend for their work and are part of a robust student organization.
We work to make this both an enriching social and professional development experience
for our current students.”
Ryan James began leading campus tours his first year after moving from Kannapolis,
North Carolina. Now a junior double majoring in health sciences and exercise science
he aims to help visitors feel connected to campus as an Expedition Leader.
“I would definitely say my favorite thing is just helping the students feel a bit
more at ease with the whole college transition process,” he explained. “When I first
came here, I knew two other people – one was my brother and the other was a girl who
went to my high school. I was the biggest introvert and wouldn’t talk to anybody.
I understand the stress in the transition to college, moving away from family for
the first time and just taking that next step. I try to ease the students’ minds and
joke around with them. I tell them I know it’s a big scary world out there, but college
is kind of like adulthood, but with the training wheels still on.”
In-person campus visits begin at the Welcome Center, and starting on Oct. 26, the
Welcome Center will operate from its new location on the second floor of the D.P.
Culp Student Center, 412 JL Seehorn Road. All guests are required to wear a face covering
and comply with university COVID-19 guidelines. Guests have the opportunity to experience
campus in a number of new ways including taking advantage of the Spanish Language
Walking Tour options and Self-Guided Audio Tour.
More information about virtual, self-guided and in-person campus tours, as well as
current schedule and registration is available at etsu.edu/visit.