Prospective Students Get to Know USA Virtually

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Posted on June 12, 2020

Joy Washington

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The University of South Alabama is preparing for students to return to campus this fall, but while the COVID-19 pandemic continues, prospective students interested in South are visiting the campus online, instead of in person.

The USA Office of Enrollment Services is now offering a new virtual campus visit option as a way for interested prospective students and their families to explore the campus and ask questions of a recruitment officer. The online process then continues for students once they are accepted and enrolled, with a series of virtual orientation sessions.

More than 500 prospective students have participated in the virtual campus visits.

Anna Wentworth, salutatorian at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, recently used the virtual visit process and will attend South this fall. Wentworth said the enrollment office has done a great job of helping her during both the virtual visit and virtual orientation processes.

“With the pandemic going on, I have been impressed with how South has responded to help me and other freshmen to prepare for college this fall,” said Wentworth, who will study in the USA Honors College as a secondary education major with a concentration in math. “I have participated in several informative Zoom sessions hosted by the College of Education and Professional Studies, admissions, housing and orientation. They are helping to support me so that I will be ready to start college in the fall.” 

Prospective students can view videos of campus and current students, and request one-on-one Zoom appointments with admissions representatives, at the visit section of the USA website.

“There are prospective students in our local community who want to attend college close to home, along with others from around the country and the world,” said Salvadore Liberto, interim vice president for the USA Office of Enrollment Services. “ The virtual visit experience is providing all these students with opportunities through numerous videos and organized sessions where they can speak with admissions representatives, faculty and deans.”

USA is offering a one-time $100 tuition credit for each accepted student who completes a virtual visit and an application. The credit is deducted from tuition upon enrollment to South.

In addition, South is continuing to waive the application fee for local students, who can apply to South for free by using the code SOUTHFORME.

“We have been able to engage with hundreds of students who are interested in attending South in the fall,” said Adrienne Gannon, associate director of new student recruitment. “South is more than a destination. It’s a place where you can learn, build memories, create lifelong friendships, serve, and earn a degree.”

“I got my acceptance letter from South fairly quickly,” Wentworth said. “I was so surprised. I expected to have to wait for months to find out if I was accepted, but I didn’t. I am a Jaguar now. And, I am excited about starting college in the fall.”

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