MU admissions teams help new students feel welcome
by Alex Johnson, posted March 3, 2009
Dealing with the needs of more than 5,500 people at once might seem like an impossible task. With a record increase in enrollment this past year, MU has been having to do just that. And numbers are looking even more impressive for the coming fall.
To help add a personal touch to recruiting this large class, MU is looking for current students to become members of two important groups: MU Tour Team and MU Admissions Liaisons.
These student multi-taskers are occasionally spotted walking backwards while explaining MU history without tripping over their own feet, or staying late on campus to phone each individual prospective Tiger and congratulate the high school students' on their acceptance to the University.
MU Tour Team is a group of students selected to give on-campus tours to prospective students throughout the year. In order to make this team, students go through multiple rounds of interviews and must submit a personal project that explains their own MU experience. They must also pass a test containing questions on MU knowledge and history.
Junior finance and banking major David Thiessen, member of MU Tour Team, thinks the hard work, measureless amount of knowledge of the University's history, and long hours pay off in the end.
"I enjoy telling people about the University and knowing I gave a great tour," Thiessen said. "When someone tells you they want to come to Mizzou because they took a tour with me, it is a rewarding experience."
MU Admissions Liaisons is a similar group, except the tours are given over the phone. This team of students phone accepted students to congratulate them and to answer any questions they may have. To some prospective students, an MU Admissions Liaison is the first encounter with the University.
"Conversations about cost usually last about 30 minutes especially for out-of-state students. Having knowledge of a full financial breakdown is a must," said broadcast journalism major Justin Rottger, of the Admissions Liaison team.
Flexible schedules and hourly wages are offered to members of each team. Together, these teams work throughout the year learning about all aspects of MU to handle the toughest questions students and parents can ask them. Concerns can range from residential life to MU football, and from class sizes to parking and transportation.
For more information about these teams, contact the MU Admissions office.
