The Alumni Relations Office works closely with many offices across campus. I want to share some insights about—and recognize the good work of—one in particular with whom we collaborate. The Admission Office puts a great deal of thought into ways to engage with you as members of the alumni community. One relates to the volunteer roles you can play in supporting their efforts to identify and recruit future generations of Ephs. Of course we’re also thinking about interest within the Williams family and how we can serve you and your children as you navigate your way through the college search process.
There’s a longstanding tradition of alumni volunteerism in support of admission efforts. Many of you already do this good work organically, waving the Williams flag for friends, family, neighbors, your students and others in your communities around the world. It’s the Williams way, and we’re indebted to you for it. This spirit of creating connections among alumni, prospective students and Williams is at the heart of the opportunities we hope you’ll consider supporting. To review a full list of the formal ways to help, and to sign up for roles that interest you, visit http://alumni.williams.edu/admission/.
For those of you with children entering the college search process, the Admission Office is thinking about you, whether or not your children are interested specifically in Williams. The office will offer its inaugural “Admission 101” program on campus on Monday, June 1. The daylong program will feature panels and workshops designed to help demystify the college selection and admission processes and give children and parents tools to make informed decisions. Information about the schedule and alumni presenters, who will be an integral part of the day, is available on the registration page: http://alumni.williams.edu/admission-101/.
If you can’t join us on June 1 and want to learn more about Williams, there are tours and information sessions available throughout the year. Interviews are not conducted in the traditional sense at Williams, but from June through August, rising high school seniors can schedule a half-hour meeting with a member of the Admission Office team. These conversations are neither required nor evaluative. The Summer Open House, scheduled for Aug. 14, offers another excellent opportunity to learn about Williams. And during the school year students are welcome to sit in on classes.
Those of you who have been through the college search process with your children have had the chance to explore the wide range of opportunities presented in the higher education landscape. Excellence abounds and takes many forms. Many of you, including those whose children have not had Williams as a choice, or did but landed elsewhere, have seen this first-hand. Having been through two college searches in my own family, with two more to go, I can only add my voice to those pushing against the angst that often surrounds the process. My advice: Enjoy the journey, wherever it may take you and your family.
With best wishes from Williamstown,
Brooks Foehl ’88
Director of Alumni Relations
[email protected]