With college campuses across the nation being closed for tours and prospective student days due to the COVID-19 outbreak, it's hard for high school seniors and transfer students to make their college decisions.

In a campus-wide effort to help in this process, Texas Tech University is changing its usual spring schedule to continue engaging with the students in new ways. This includes promoting different events for prospective students to experience the spirit of Raiderland and what life could be like for them as Red Raiders.

"I'm excited that our undergraduate admissions office is helping us find ways to virtually meet with prospective students and still be able to share information and promote our college," said Shelbey Havens, College Recruiter for Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

To give students as close to the full Texas Tech campus experience as possible, a virtual tour for prospective students has been developed. This allows students to hear the history and traditions of the university while immersed in a virtual-reality version of Texas Tech's campus from their phone, tablet or computer.

In addition to the virtual tour, the university has created a series of new online resources for undergraduate students so they can have their Texas Tech questions answered. Some of these resources include providing updates via phone and text messages and hosting virtual events on Zoom.

Normally, these events would take place in person either on campus in Lubbock or at Texas Tech-hosted events around the country. Now, however, there are online sessions for admitted and prospective students and parents, regarding financial aid and scholarship information. Students can also set up virtual one-on-one appointments with admissions counselors.

In addition to flexible admissions policies, the university is offering online orientation sessions, an enhanced Raider Welcome and an expanded Red Raider Guarantee program. 

These videos and events give students and their families a chance to ask questions, get more information and interact with Red Raiders, said Mitchel Locke, digital marketing manager for Texas Tech Enrollment Management. "We're hopeful that, in communicating these virtual resources and enhanced programming, students will feel ready to join the Red Raider family this fall," he said.

CONTACT: William Brown, Dean, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or william.f.brown@ttu.edu

0428NM20 / Editor's Note: A new online, video-orientated Red Raider Orientation is now available for prospective and current students. The microsite features a 'Meet the Deans' introduction, six CASNR department videos, three 'How To' videos, four 'Helpful Links' and a FAQ section.