The virtual tour of the UWindsor campus will play a large role in getting potential students interested in coming here, says Lionel Walsh, assistant vice president for North American recruitment.

He is heading a team of about 120 faculty, staff and students representing Windsor at the Ontario Universities’ Fair this weekend in Toronto.

“People who stop by our booth at the fair will receive virtual reality viewers which turn our YouVisit tour into an immersive experience,” says Walsh. “It is a first step in convincing them to come and see our campus and our facilities first-hand.”

He says that the more prospective students learn about opportunities at UWindsor, the more likely they are to choose to study here: “That process transforms leads into registered students.”

The fair, which runs September 23 to 25 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, is Canada’s largest and brings together all 21 Ontario universities. Walsh calls it a key opportunity to demonstrate to high school students the benefits of pursuing their educations in Windsor.

“Attendees get a chance to speak with students and professors from the programs they are interested in, and we get the chance to engage them in conversations about what we have to offer,” he says. “Sharing our experiences is the best way for us to relate directly to potential students and their parents.”

He says investing in student success begins with the very first contact.

“We continue that right through their careers here at the University of Windsor and beyond, because we are truly committed to ensuring they reach their fullest potential,” Walsh says. “That’s the UWindsor promise.”

The next major focus for the student recruitment cycle is encouraging attendance at the fall open house, Saturday, November 5.