The University of Houston Unveils "The College Tour" Video

DSA News
August 22, 2024

In an innovative move to amplify its outreach and recruitment efforts, the University of Houston (UH) has collaborated with The College Tour to produce a comprehensive virtual tour video. This initiative aims to provide prospective students, parents, and other interested parties with an immersive and engaging introduction to the university.

Why UH Decided to Create a College Tour Video

UH sought to create a virtual experience that encapsulates the vibrant life on campus, academic opportunities, and the unique culture of the university. This initiative allows individuals from across the globe to explore UH, making it possible for them to make informed decisions about their educational journey without needing to physically visit the campus.

Impact on Student Recruitment

The College Tour video serves as a potent recruitment tool by offering a complete overview of UH in an easily accessible format. The partnership with The College Tour extends UH’s reach to over 60,000 high school counselors nationwide, significantly enhancing the university’s visibility. Moreover, the video’s availability on platforms like Amazon Video launching October 2024 - opens unique opportunities for prospective students and their families to learn about UH in a convenient and engaging manner.

Data from other colleges that have utilized The College Tour videos indicate a substantial increase in prospective student engagement and applications, showcasing the effectiveness of this medium in boosting recruitment efforts.

Featured Students from the Division of Student Affairs

The video features an impressive lineup of UH students, each sharing their unique experiences and stories. These students include:

• Natalie Marinero, Conroe Texas – Public Relations, Senior
• Jonathan Gaucin, Houston, Texas – Electrical Engineering, Sophomore
• Alexander Mizerik, Sugar Land, Texas – History, Senior
• Natalie Linde, Houston, Texas – Biomedical Engineering, Freshman
• Lalaine Ramos, Laredo, Texas – Psychology, Sophomore
• Alexa Emmons, New Braunfels, Texas – Human Nutrition and Foods, Senior
• Maithili Padhye, Katy, Texas, - MIS and Marketing, Sophomore
• Sydney Commerford, Sugar Land, Texas – Journalism, Senior
• Omar Castanon, Tomball, Texas – Strategic Communications, Junior
• Veronica Nwanna, Sugar Land, Texas – Journalism, Early Graduating Senior

Their participation highlights the diverse and dynamic student body at UH, giving viewers an authentic glimpse into student life at the university. Metropolitan Volunteer President and UH Student Omar Castanon stated, "I have loved working on this project! As a first-generation Hispanic student, I have loved being able to share my story and continue to represent countless stories that are similar to mine. This project has pushed me to showcase the vibrancy UH has to offer to many students and I can't wait to introduce many future Coogs to UH.”

Viewing The College Tour Video

The episode featuring UH is available for viewing on TheCollegeTour.com and a dedicated webpage on the UH website. Additionally, the episode will be accessible on Amazon Video beginning in October 2024, ensuring broad accessibility.

Insights from Project Management

Interfraternity President and UH Student Alexander Mizerik said, "It was a great experience working with Director Brian and crew. They were fantastic individuals who made The College Tour filming process a fantastic success. And through their work, I know that the segment about Campus Life will be great, shining a light on the many amenities our campus has to offer and the state of Greek life at the University."

The experience of filming and working closely with our students was a great engagement opportunity because it served as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that the University of Houston has on the lives of our students, not just academically, but in every aspect of their life. Witnessing the students tell their story about their experience at UH reinforced the vital role our institution plays in shaping their futures and empowering them to achieve their dreams.

Additional Features

In addition to the main 30-minute episode, TheCollegeTour.com and the UH website will host four mini-digital series designed to address specific queries prospective students might have. These miniseries include:

1. Ask Admissions: Highlighting key steps in the application process and reasons students choose UH.
2. Navigating Financial Aid: Offering essential information on navigating the financial aid process at UH.
3. Coffee with the President: Featuring an in-depth conversation between The College Tour host Alex Boylan and UH President Renu Khator about all things UH.
4. Dorm Tours: Highlighting three students’ living quarters, providing a glimpse into residence life at UH.

These supplementary resources ensure that prospective students have access to comprehensive information, helping them to make well-informed decisions.

The collaborative effort by the UH Division of University Marketing and Communications, UH Division of Student Affairs, and UH Enrollment Services Marketing in producing this video underscores the university’s commitment to innovation in student recruitment and engagement. The College Tour video not only highlights the academic and extracurricular opportunities at UH but also displays the supportive and vibrant community that awaits future Cougars.

Written by Germaine Washington – Director of Marketing and Communications – Student Affairs