An incoming freshman majoring in political science met Alumni-in-Admissions volunteer Jacob Morin '00 at his New Jersey high school's college fair. Here is what this member of the Class of 2012 had to say about their talk:
"After listening to his experiences, I decided to visit Western New England College. I am very excited to start my freshman year here. If it wasn't for Jake, I would never have known about the College. Thank you!"
The Alumni-in-Admissions program at Western New England College bridges the past and future by providing alumni and prospective students with the opportunity to strengthen and build relationships with the College.
It's up to you how you volunteer your time in helping us recruit students. If you wish to volunteer, or would like more information about the program below, sign up by clicking on the button on the upper right corner of this page. You can also contact the Office of Alumni Relations by phone at 413-782-1327 or 800-962-6592, or by email alumwnec@wnec.edu or the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 413-782-1321 or 800-325-1122.
College Fairs
The Alumni-in-Admissions program began in 1987 to assist the Office of Undergraduate Admissions with local college fairs. Since then, the Alumni-in-Admissions program has played a significant role in recruiting students and ensuring the future of Western New England College. As a volunteer, you will personally identify with prospective students and act as a liaison between students and the College.
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions receives hundreds of invitations for local high school/college fairs every year throughout the United States. However, it is not possible for the Western New England College staff to attend every event. In a continuing effort to reach as many prospective students as possible, we seek alumni who can represent the College at these local fairs. This is an exciting way for you stay connected to your alma mater, while meeting prospective students who appreciate hearing about your College experience.
Overview/Responsibilities
When the Office of Undergraduate Admissions receives an invitation for a college fair, we decide whether one of the Western New England College staff is able to attend the event. If it is not possible, we seek assistance through our alumni volunteers. Your level of commitment would depend on how many events you would like to volunteer for. In the past, we some alumni have attended anywhere from one to four college fairs in a year. Some volunteers have covered events for the College on an individual basis, with another alumni volunteer, or with a Western New England College Admissions Counselor. Please keep in mind that the Admissions Office tries its best to find an event for all of the volunteers, but in some situations it may not be possible. Furthermore, all of the college fairs that we would consider an alumnus for would not be more than a half-hour radius from your home. All college fairs will be in the evening on a weekday and will last no more than two hours.
Once an invitation has been received, an Alumni-in-Admissions coordinator will contact you, either by email or phone, to see if you can cover the event. All of the invitations have deadlines, so we will be contacting you in advance and a response would be needed in a timely manner. Once you agree to attend the event for the College, we will send out an initial letter to you. Within two to three weeks of the event, we will send out a confirmation letter along with the invitation to the event and directions (if given). If we do not receive the directions from the school, you may download them from the Internet. Within two weeks of the event, we will send out the box of materials that you will need to display at the college fair along with a resource/training manual and DVD. These are two very important materials for you to view, as they will assist you on new information about the College, along with what to expect at a college fair. After the fair, a prepaid priority envelope will be supplied for you so you can mail back the necessary materials, as well as the evaluation.
Alumni-in-Admissions Program Looks to Span the Nation
Nick Fagioli ’71 is the epitome of dedication to his alma mater. Residing more than three hours away from campus in Nutley, NJ, Nick has played a crucial role in the expansion of the Western New England College student body over the past 10 years without ever leaving the Garden State.
As a devoted volunteer in the growing Alumni-in-Admissions program, Nick has attended over 20 college fairs in the past few years around northern New Jersey as an official representative from Western New England College.
“I live so far from the College but I wanted to do something,” said Nick, pictured on the left of Alumni Association President Mat Nelson ’93. “It’s just a really good school and I think kids down here can benefit by going away to Western New England College.”
The Alumni-in-Admissions program is an Admissions Office initiative that recruits alumni to serve as representatives for the College at college fairs, particularly those held a great distance from the campus. With a full-time staff of 10, the Admissions Office attends over 500 college fairs each year. There are additional college fairs that the office cannot attend and the Alumni-in-Admissions program is one of the ways the College is trying to generate more coverage at more fairs.
“This is a fun program that doesn’t take a huge time commitment,” said Assistant Director of Admissions Christopher Wystepek ’02. “If an alum is looking to stay involved with the campus, even if he or she is far away, this is a good program to start with.”
Over 40 fairs were covered by 47 alumni volunteers in the 2007-08 academic year. This represents a 135 percent increase in event attendance and a 292 percent increase in alumni involvement from the 2006-07 academic year. California, Texas, and Tennessee had alumni representing the College at fairs for the first time this past year.
The program is one of the easiest commitments alumni can make to volunteer for the College. The Admissions Office provides a training manual, DVD training video, and all necessary materials that you will bring to the college fair. The staff is also available to answer any questions you may have about the College or the Alumni-in-Admissions program.
“It is a great way to share their knowledge of the College both on a professional level and personal level,” said Assistant Director of Admissions Danielle Smith ’04. “Students and parents appreciate information coming directly from alumni.”
The program is beneficial for prospective students and parents because it gives them an opportunity to interact with someone who has experienced firsthand what Western New England College can do to transform the life of a young person.
“You’re living proof the school produces talented professionals,” explained Nick, who is the regional supervisor for the Juvenile Program for the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts. He enjoys the program because its gives him an opportunity to interact with a different section of the population. “I have a job where I am confronting people who always have problems. The fairs allow me to work with a group I normally don’t get to interact with.”
In 2005, Nick was recognized for his efforts with an Alumni Award for Special Projects: the Alumni-in-Admissions and the Alumni Speakers programs.
The Alumni-in-Admissions program continues the College’s mission to expand recruitment efforts of students from across the country. The Admissions Office welcomes volunteers from any part of the country for this program but specifically seeks alumni for college fairs in California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia.
To get involved in the Alumni-in-Admissions program, click on the button on the upper right corner of this page. You can also contact the Alumni Office at 800-962-6592 or contact Danielle or Chris at 413-782-1321.
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