With the COVID-19 pandemic having disrupted on-campus operations at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) over the past several months, USG staff and those from its partner universities pivoted to providing all services on a remote basis. Recruitment activities to reach prospective students were no different.
Recently, the success of these efforts was demonstrated through a series of virtual events during what was billed as “USG Pathways and Programs Week.” The online events drew hundreds of participants in a forum that replaced the traditional, on-campus undergraduate expo as a means of showcasing degree programs from USG’s partner universities.
Approximately 200 prospective students participated in the virtual events over the course of three evenings on October 26, 27 and 29. Attendees learned about how USG works, in collaboration with its nine partner universities, and heard from representatives of the various academic programs offered at USG, along with current Student Ambassadors. Prospective students participating in the events included those from Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery College, Howard Community College, Frederick Community College, Prince George’s Community College, Hagerstown Community College, and some four-year institutions.
USG received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the prospective students who participated in the Pathways and Programs events. Among the comments from participants: “Thanks to this information session, I was able to understand a little better about USG, and I am also starting to think about maybe attending USG in the future.” Also, “The provided information was extremely helpful. Thank you so much for putting this together!”