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About the Episode
About The Episode:
Kevin and Emma Cavanagh share a firsthand, unfiltered perspective on what it’s really like to attend a college open house for the first time. With Kevin’s decades of experience in enrollment management and Emma’s fresh eyes as a high school sophomore, this dynamic duo offers valuable insights into how institutions present themselves to prospective students and their families. From balloon arches and Peloton bikes to over-enthusiastic student ambassadors and a surprise personal tour of a broadcast studio, this episode dives deep into the highs and lows of one university's open house experience.
Whether you're an enrollment marketer, admissions officer, or simply curious about how today's Gen Z students perceive college visits, this episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in student recruitment.
Key Takeaways
- Student-first communication matters: Speaking to students — not just their parents — during open houses helps foster a sense of belonging and autonomy for prospective students.
- Redundancy can derail engagement: Repeating the same information across multiple sessions can lead to fatigue and disinterest, especially in longer programs.
- Personal, one-on-one interactions are powerful: Unplanned, intimate experiences — like an impromptu tour of a media studio — can be more memorable and impactful than formal presentations.
- Energetic doesn’t always mean effective: Enthusiastic greeters and speakers should match the tone and timing of the event to avoid overwhelming guests.
- Presentation structure matters: Tailoring academic sessions to different areas of study (rather than lumping together science and humanities) ensures students feel seen and heard.
- Campus cleanliness and setup leave a lasting impression: Behind-the-scenes efforts by facilities and admissions teams contribute significantly to the overall guest experience.
Episode Summary: FAQs From “Emma’s First Open House”
What led to the spontaneous open house visit?
Originally planning to attend a local college fair, Emma and her family found themselves rerouted when the fair was unexpectedly canceled — without any online updates. Pivoting on the fly, they opted to attend an open house at a university they’d been considering, turning a misfire into an opportunity.
What was Emma’s first impression of the open house?
Let’s just say: enthusiastic greeters aren't for everyone. From the moment they pulled onto campus, student ambassadors — quite literally — jumped onto signage, yelling greetings to car-bound guests. While meant to energize, the display left Emma feeling uncomfortable and overwhelmed, highlighting the importance of tone-setting in the early moments of an event.
How did the actual event unfold once they arrived?
The open house began with check-in, printed materials, modest food offerings, and a quick self-guided campus walk. Emma noted a stark contrast in energy between the main hub and the quieter areas of campus — not surprising for a Sunday morning but still a noticeable disconnect from what she’d expected based on her dad’s descriptions of open house buzz.
What made the biggest impact during the visit?
While official presentations were hit-or-miss, the impromptu tour of a media production studio near the end of their visit left a big impression on Emma. The genuine enthusiasm from the staff and hands-on look at industry-standard equipment made the academic program feel tangible and exciting — a great example of how personal interactions can outshine pre-scripted moments.
How did Emma feel about the academic presentations?
Despite high hopes, the liberal arts session felt overly long and redundant. Emma pointed out that many topics, such as study abroad or internships, had already been covered in earlier sessions. For students not interested in every aspect presented, the session could feel like a time sink rather than a value add.
What was the standout lowlight for Emma?
The campus-wide “welcome” session included speakers who, in Emma’s words, talked “at the parents,” not “to the students.” She highlighted how important it is for colleges to directly address prospective students, especially when trying to foster connection and excitement.
Were there any surprises?
Definitely. Beyond the unexpectedly awkward greeting line, Emma was surprised at the quietness of campus in non-event zones, the modest food offerings, and the highly branded yet low-interaction student ambassador roles. However, her discovery of a Peloton studio — and her dad giving her a boost to peek over the frosted glass — added a moment of levity and father-daughter fun to the day.
What advice does this episode offer enrollment marketers?
Focus on relevance and resonance. Avoid packing open house schedules with overlapping content and ensure each speaker knows their audience. Offer moments of real connection — whether it’s with a passionate faculty member or a student tour guide who can speak to life on campus — and design experiences that help students see themselves in your campus community.
Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
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