High school students have the opportunity to learn about the University’s academics, organizations and spirit with LSU on the Geaux, the University’s recruiting program that visits high schools around the South.
“The goal of LSU on the Geaux is to bring LSU to different areas in and out of state to provide information to students and parents,” said Mandy Hoffman, assistant director of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Aid.
Though the program has not yet had to cut back on travel because of budget cuts, the cuts have required more efficient planning, Hoffman said.
She said parents often ask questions about the budget situation.
“The chancellor has done a wonderful job of sending out letters explaining the budget situation,” Hoffman said.
Recruiters also promote the preservation of the academic core when discussing budget cuts, Hoffman said.
Kurt Keppler, vice chancellor for Student Life and Enrollment Services who often travels with LSU on the Geaux, said while parents are concerned about budget cuts, they usually have more questions about majors, careers and housing for their children.
In the last year, LSU on the Geaux has worked to more strategically target recruiting areas.
The major locations to which recruiters travel out of state are Texas, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama and Florida, Hoffman said.
Recruiters meet with students, families and guidance counselors at high schools during trips.
“Not only is it fun to meet parents and potential students, but it’s also important to show them that LSU is interested in a strong and diverse student body,” Keppler said.
Recruiters travel with representatives from academics and programs like Freshman Year Experience and Residential Life, Hoffman said.
“All areas entering freshman would interact with are represented,” Hoffman said.
Hoffman said recruiters receive mixed reactions from students about the University.
Some students are knowledgeable about the University, but others have only experienced it through football games, Hoffman said.
Hoffman said she thinks LSU on the Geaux’s presence in recruiting plays a positive role in enrollment numbers.
“Last year was the first year we had a stronger, more strategic presence, and I think that contributed to our entering freshman class of 5,481,” Hoffman said. “That’s almost 500 more in an entering class than in prior years.”
 
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Contact Grace Montgomery at [email protected]