While most members of the Notre Dame community have already begun preparation for the annual end-of-semester exodus, others are bracing for a large influx of students on campus.
"This week is our busiest week of visits for admitted students," University admissions counselor Jill Boruff said.
Notre Dame will welcome 165 families during the final week of classes. By the end of April, more than 400 families will have visited the University during this month alone, Boruff said.
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions provides many services for admitted students.
The student's family is given the opportunity to meet with admissions counselors for a personal meeting to address specific questions, go on an exclusive campus tour and request a host if they wish to delve deeper into the unique attributes of student life at Notre Dame.
"Not all students request to stay with students, but many do," Boruff said. "We provide overnight of hosts for those who request one."
Boruff said students who visit the University as prospects - and then later enroll - are invited to serve as hosts for admitted high school seniors. Freshman Bill Archibald has hosted several prospective students this year because of his own experience with the visitation process.
"My own visit was very awkward, so it inspired me to host prospective students in order to make their visits a little less [uncomfortable]," Archibald said.
Hosts are expected to follow certain guidelines put forth by the undergraduate admissions office and receive a letter delineating these rules, Boruff said.
"As a host and a representative of Notre Dame, we ask that you comply with Du Lac and the rules regarding overnight guests in your particular hall," a typical letter said.
Boruff said hosts are also strongly encouraged to bring their guests to classes with them, as this is a "top priority" for admitted students. The undergraduate admissions office also asks host students to provide a tour of their dorm and popular campus facilities.
"Coming to Notre Dame did affect me somewhat in that it helped me realize that this was the place for me," Archibald said. "I enjoyed what I saw in the classes and on campus. I feel it is now my duty to show the prospect all aspects of Notre Dame life and allow them to make the ultimate decision."
Boruff said admissions officials host multiple receptions during the months of February and April for early- and regular-decision admits, respectively. Representatives from First Year of Studies, Financial Aid, Student Activities and Admissions, as well as current students and faculty members from several academic departments, are accessible for students and their parents to pose inquiries about the various facets of campus life.
"The Office of Undergraduate Admissions is proud of all the services we provide admitted students, and we hope that these services highlight all that Notre Dame has to offer them," Boruff said. "Our entire office recognizes the importance of the visit in a student's decision making process and thus strives to give each student the best visit possible."
