Admissions working in-person, virtually with high school class of 2021 and beyond

The Roanoke College Office of Admissions has been busy lately, welcoming students to Roanoke’s beautiful campus both in person and remotely.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic causing uncertainty for many prospective college students, there is steady interest in visiting the College, and the Admissions Office is looking forward to upcoming virtual and in-person events.

Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Brenda Poggendorf said the Admissions staff welcomes the opportunity to connect with prospects for the fall of 2021 and beyond.

“As they journey through their college search in these unusual times, we want them to know that we are ready for them,” Poggendorf said. “It is the Roanoke way to welcome students on a personal basis, but in this unusual environment, we are more excited than ever to help students navigate the process and find their best fit college.”

One major way Admissions staff is connecting with students is through its Virtual Week of Workshops, which begin Monday, Aug. 10. The workshops include general information sessions focusing on different parts of the college search and application process, culminating in a case study event where participants will act as an admissions committee and make admissions decisions on mock applicants. Each session will last approximately one hour, with the exception of the 90-minute case study event. 

Students can register for as many of the sessions as they want. Session topics include “Navigating the College Search Process in the Time of COVID-19”, “Essay Writing and the Common Application”, “Financial Aid” and more. All sessions are scheduled in Eastern Standard Time. Students who cannot attend an event but have questions about a certain topic are encouraged to contact us at admissions@roanoke.edu.

The Admissions Office is available for virtual campus appointments every weekday. Students and family members can register here to schedule a time to virtually visit. The College is also working with virtual tour company YouVisit to set up an in-depth, high-quality virtual visit experience, which should be live in the coming weeks.

Though much has changed in the way students tour campus, Roanoke’s emphasis on developing relationships with prospective students remains the same.

“At Roanoke, we bring out the best in our students when we know them,” Poggendorf said. “Those relationships often start during the enrollment process.”