The Brown & White

Lehigh's admissions department has implemented the Lehigh University Admissions Fellows Program in order to recognize superior senior students whose skill sets will help in recruiting a strong freshman class.

Seventeen students will be selected to assist the Admissions Office in the recruiting process by interviewing candidates and their families, organizing and hosting open houses, setting up guidance counselor visits and running other recruitment programs.

The goal of this program is to help enroll the most qualified freshman class and also provide a valuable chance to learn the different responsibilities and tasks within Lehigh's administration.

"We will select 17 students who will represent the Admissions Office by interviewing prospective students during our important recruitment season," Natalie van den Heuvel, assistant director of admissions, said. "Additionally, admissions fellows will help with special matriculation programs and other events as deemed appropriate."

The position lasts all year and is paid.

"The students chosen will be undertaking a tremendous amount of responsibility, and, therefore, we are only seeking individuals that will be deeply committed to the university through their sense of responsibility, enthusiasm and diplomacy," Hueval said.

The nominated students will be required to have strong punctuality and enthusiasm and be well-informed, diplomatic, non-judgmental and strong spokespersons when speaking on behalf of the university.

"I am a strong supporter for the fellows program," said Liza Zawarski, '11.

"I clearly remember coming to Lehigh to get an interview and being extremely nervous that I was going to talk to someone of high rankings within the Admissions Office," she recalls. "But to my surprise, I was interviewed by a very personable senior who was able to tell me more about Lehigh and their personal experience.

"Not only did they get to know more about me, but I also got to learn a great deal about the university through their eyes, which absolutely won me over and made me apply early decision," Zawarski added.

The admissions staff has a three-step selection process for candidates applying to the Fellows Program. Any seniors interested in becoming a part of the program must fill out an application and submit their transcripts. Admissions reviews all applications before deciding who the office invites for face-to-face interviews.

After the finalists are chosen by the admissions staff, they are required to meet Leon Washington, dean of admission and financial aid.

Once the selection process is completed, all the new Admissions Fellows are trained to have an understanding of the admissions process by reading about the different aspects of their jobs and by sitting in on live interviews conducted by the staff.

Members of the admissions staff will individually meet with each new fellow to discuss the details of the different programs. The 17 students will be required to train for three hours per week.

This training period will last from mid-March until early April. During and after training, fellows will be paid $8 per hour. Fellows will be required to work 4 to 8 hours per week, along with a few Saturdays, but no work will be necessary over school breaks.

Responsibilities, such as welcoming prospective students and their families inside the admissions building, assisting admissions counselors, attending college fairs and other recruitment events, are all aspects of the job.

"I think that the Fellows program is a fantastic way to actively engage prospective Lehigh students," said James Mutch, '11.

"While a campus visit is obviously important, I think that it is also helpful to physically see what a Lehigh education can allow a student to become," Mutch said.

"By having the ability to meet with a Lehigh student, the prospective applicant has the unique opportunity to do just that. I think it's a fantastic idea."

The new program is an attractive attribute not only to current students at Lehigh but also to those in search of their particular college.

"As a student who recently completed the college visiting process, I believe that this program Lehigh is starting will only benefit the university when bringing in a great freshman class," said Emily Hoeke of Southern Lehigh High School, located in Coopersburg, Pa. "Having the ability to have personal interviews with students is something that most colleges don't provide and is a process that would have helped me gain a much better feel for a particular college."