Creative Solution Drives Prospective Student Event

03.29.2021

Dr. Rosemary Admiral (right), assistant professor of history in the School of Arts and Humanities, discusses the University’s history program with Alex Tombs (left), a prospective UT Dallas student, during a recent drive-thru event.

In the wake of the current pandemic, The University of Texas at Dallas School of Arts and Humanities (A&H) recently designed a new drive-thru experience where prospective students and families were able to talk safely face-to-face with faculty, staff and students.

“Because we are a creative school, we came up with a new way to reach out to prospective students,” said Dr. Nils Roemer, interim dean of the School of Arts and Humanities, director of the Ackerman Center for Holocaust Studies and the Stan and Barbara Rabin Distinguished Professor in Holocaust Studies. “It was a tremendous opportunity for us to talk with our future students.”

The drive-thru experience was held on campus March 6 in Parking Lot B. Attendees, who were required to remain in their vehicles, wear masks and observe social distancing, were greeted by A&H’s brass ensemble and then followed a path that led past a dozen other stations. At various stops, faculty members discussed particular A&H majors and minors; students explained how to get involved in campus activities and honors programs; and staff answered questions about admissions. Singers from the vocal music program also were on hand to serenade the visitors.

Megan Gray Hering, A&H assistant dean of undergraduate studies, said the school developed the drive-thru event so that prospective families and their students could experience A&H from the safety of their cars.

“It was a way for us to have performances and discussions while sharing information in a way that keeps our faculty, students and staff safe, but also gives prospective students a taste of what we’re all about,” she said.

According to prospective students who participated in the event, the opportunity to have face-to-face discussions made the experience a success.

“Considering the whole COVID thing, this was nice,” said Judith Ramirez, a high school student from McKinney, Texas. “It was great to be able to talk directly with people who actually know, rather than writing emails.”

Rees Gerhard, who also is a McKinney high school student, agreed that the direct interactions were valuable.

“It was definitely a lot more informative than I expected,” he said. “Most of what I have done is communicate with people online and through email. Actually getting to talk with people from the school is really nice.”

–Phil Roth