Recruiter Resources & Materials:
Spring Receptions and Summer Send-offs Tip Sheet

What is the purpose? If you host a reception prior to the May 1 enrollment deposit deadline, it is a conversion event with an emphasis on getting the admitted student to enroll. If it's a summer picnic, barbecue, pizza party, etc., it is to acquaint new freshmen with other alumni from the area. Consider inviting current students as well.

Name tags and one or more icebreakers are musts for a successful event. Include their high school name and have them add something personal---their favorite musical group, career interest, etc. The nametag can be instrumental in the first icebreaker.

Always invite the parents.

Have the students stand and introduce themselves---include their high school, school or college they are admitted to and something they look forward to doing their freshmen year.

Play some music and pass out copies of "The Victors" and have one or two rousing cheers.

Avoid multiple welcomes and speeches---students get bored with this quickly.

Play games and have contests ---they are great way to mix new students, alumni, current students and parents in various teams. Create your own Michigan trivia, U-M Jeopardy and Who Wants to Be a Wolverine. Have them draw a map of Michigan with the U-M correctly placed on it. Quiz them on famous alumni.

Award prizes---any and all U-M items will be popular.

Make it easy for students to exchange names; provide them with alumni names and info that will allow for future contact.

Set an expectation for students to send a note or email to let you know how they are doing. Tell them to plan on attending next year's event.

Last, have fun, fun and more fun!

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