The University of Mobile (UM) will hold a drive-thru college fair on December 3 to assist students in determining the right choice for their higher education. This unorthodox fair was designed to help young learners — and their families — with the college search process by discussing financial aid assistance, campus life, and the educational offerings of participating institutions.
Over 25 colleges are slated to attend the event including the University of Alabama, University of West Florida, Alabama State University, Birmingham-Southern College, the University of Southern Mississippi, Judson College, Miles College, and Waldorf University among others.
Representatives of each university will be set up at Weaver Hall on the UM campus. Students and their families can drive around the parking lot, ask questions, and interact with representatives from all the schools without getting out of their cars.
How College Searching Has Changed
The college search process was in dire need of adjustment due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic.
Since physical interaction is being kept to a minimum, many high schools have not held their traditional college fairs. Prior to the crisis, students were able to have in-depth conversations with college enrollment counselors to determine the right academic opportunities.
Nick Hampton, a UM enrollment counselor, said “the pandemic is making it more difficult for potential students to learn about their many options for higher education.”
It was Hampton and UM Assistant Director of Admissions Faith Baker who organized the college fair, which captured the interest of colleges from Alabama and nearby states.
Baker said, “All of us in the college admissions realm have been desperately missing face-to-face interactions with potential students. Events like this make it possible for students to have the opportunity to connect with colleges and universities that they otherwise may not be aware of.”
All interested students must RSVP at umobile.edu/drivethru.