Revitalized visit day room helping PFW make stronger first impression

There’s a bright, bold space Purdue University Fort Wayne is using to make a good first impression. The Office of Admissions recently unveiled a new look, designed by the Office of Communications and Marketing, for its visit day area on the first floor of Walb Student Union, Room 125.

After checking in at the admissions front desk, prospective students and two guests walk into the new gathering spot to receive a 30-minute presentation from an admissions counselor. The visit day room can accommodate 30 people before they are led on a campus tour.

The much livelier area now features pictures of popular PFW sites and current students participating in campus events.

“Even walking into the room when it is empty, it feels so much better,” said Ryan Wooley, associate vice chancellor for enrollment management. “We can definitely feel the difference in our admissions counselors. They feel more invigorated because it’s a much more interactive room.”

Wooley said the area is used at least twice daily, with about 40–50 weekly visitors. He estimates thousands will visit during an academic year.

“It’s a more welcoming atmosphere, being able to see the school colors and some of the atmosphere around campus so they can get a better feel of what it’s like to be a student at PFW,” said Hayden Jones, senior admissions counselor.