The UMD Alumni Association (AA) and Office of Undergraduate Admissions (OUA) are searching for alumni volunteers to host admitted student yield events in locations across the US in order to help turn the brightest high school seniors into UMD’s next freshman class. These events will take Maryland’s school spirit on the road, introducing admitted students to alumni in their areas. This is also a great opportunity to introduce prospective UMD students to the QUEST program before they even get to campus!
Locations: We will target the following locations in Spring 2016. Some of these are emerging markets for Admissions, but we would still like to explore our connections in each area. Interested in being a host in a different area? Let’s talk!
- NYC
- Long Island
- Northern NJ
- Boston
- Philadelphia
- Chicago
- Atlanta
- Ft. Lauderdale
- Miami
- Dallas
- Denver
- Los Angeles
- Seattle
- Portland
Details: The ideal timeframe for holding these events is mid-February through late March. We will need hosts and event details lined up no later than mid-January. If the number of admitted students in an area is too low to move forward with this type of event, we will explore other options. We won’t force an event in any area unless we have a critical mass of students to invite. The host may utilize their office or place of business, a local event venue or restaurant for the event. The host should also have the capacity to purchase refreshments for the event. In most circumstances, heavy hors d’oeuvres or a casual buffet are appropriate. Smaller groups may opt for a seated meal in a restaurant.
Event Support: To ensure these events’ success, the AA and the OUA will provide the following resources:
– Event invitations to admitted students and their parents upon notification of admission (OUA)
– Periodic updates to the hosts containing RSVP numbers (AA)
– Targeted invitations to other alumni and parent volunteers in the area (AA)
– A box of event materials shipped to the host or venue including nametags, tabletop M’s and poms for decor, favors for student guests and a small gift of appreciation for the hosts (AA)
– Event attendance from at least one OUA staff person to represent UMD and answer students’ questions about enrolling at Maryland; for some of the larger markets, other UMD staff may choose to attend (OUA/AA)
If interested in becoming a host in one of these locations, please contact Emily Kelly (QUEST’s Graduate Assistant) at emkelly@umd.edu by Monday, November 23rd.