Before deciding on where to spend their college years, most prospective students and their parents want to tour the campus, talk to future classmates or visit the dorms.

During the pandemic restrictions, colleges around the country have had to stop their in-person tours, visits and interviews. Students are now meeting each other and getting to know the campus... virutally.

"We are doing everything that we would offer face to face, in a remote, digital, virtual environment.  As an example we offered more than 80 unique virtual academic open house sessions over the last two weeks," said Ian Mortimer, RIT Vice President for Enrollment Management.

The school also offers virtual tours across the campus and into buildings.  

"Is it challenging? Absolutely," said Mortimer.  "But what I'm finding is that people are appreciating the flexibility, not having to hop on a plane and fly and all that investment. I think this is going to change the way we do our work looking forward in some pretty profound ways."

Colleges have pages online filled with those tours, videos with students and insider looks at individual departments.
RIT even has an 11-minute video about financial aid.  

As of now, at RIT, student orientation for incoming students is still planned for August.  The situation for students coming from abroad, about half of RIT's graduate classes,  is still in question.

"The critical path to all of this is when the consulates are going to open up for visa interviews and in countries like India and China.   And so we have a couple of different scenarios in place for that, "said Mortimer.  

College leaders know that many students and parents may be getting ready to start the new year with some added anxiety.
They say feel free to reach out.

"I would encourage parents as well as students to reach out to the people that they think can provide them with the answers to the questions that are most relevant. And don't be bashful. Don't be shy. You know, we we are here to serve the community, not only Rochester community, but the the national and international community."