EDUCATIONAL SESSION TRACKS

I Didn't Choose the Visitors Services Life, It Chose Me

Kirsten Swales, Program Coordinator, West Virginia University

Kids dream of becoming doctors, astronauts, or teachers. Careers in higher education/visitors services typically don’t make the “dream jobs” list However, once students work as collegiate tour leaders and realize how a college visit impacts the trajectory of prospective students’ lives, often they’ll seek careers where they continue helping others find their purpose This is my lived experience I’ll share my path from tour leader to professional staff member who supervises the team where my higher education journey started. Transitioning from peer to supervisor presented expected and unforeseen challenges that are relatable to others who followed a similar path I’ve acquired strategies that allow me to lead with authenticity and compassion, while also setting boundaries and growing professionally My 3 5 years as a tour leader taught me to develop training and coaching strategies that ensure effective, high-quality processes to address the needs of our guests, professional staff, and student staff. The shared experiences between myself and students builds a unique rapport; I understand their concerns and can balance them with the needs of our center Many audience members share similar paths to their current role Join me and discuss how to become the leaders we would’ve wanted as tour leaders!

You Are Worth It: Improving the Mental Well-Being of Tour Guides

Mary Elizabeth Buckel, Admission Campus Visits Coordinator, St. Edward's University

This training was developed to provide tour guides with the tools and education necessary to promote self-care and awareness about the impacts of their mental health Its intended purpose is to not only address the mental health challenges that college students face, but to also give them the adequate resources essential to helping them learn how to take care of themselves and strive towards accepting that they are worthy enough to do so

Attendees and student supervisors will learn how crucial and beneficial it is to motivate and encourage their tour guides to better themselves personally, as their mental well-being affects them professionally Attendees will also learn how to collaborate and strategize with campus partners to tend to student needs and to model what it means to be supportive supervisors who prioritize students and strive to help them be the best versions of themselves both inside and outside of the workplace