VCU’s tour season brings signage to campus

Skye Hathaway, Contributing Writer

VCU installed large signs around the Compass over the last several weeks, designed to expand their “Uncommon” branding, Brian McNeill, director of public relations at VCU, stated in an email.

These signs are the continuation of VCU’s “UN” brand platform rollout, which they believe will strengthen the school’s brand and appeal to both current and potential students, McNeill stated.

“The signage reinforces VCU’s brand personality message for students, faculty and staff and introduces VCU’s brand to prospective students and their families and other campus visitors,” McNeill stated.

VCU plans to install these signs in eight locations, which will cost the campus approximately $154,569, including design work, materials and installation, McNeill stated.

VCU attributes many of these costs to the remodeling of the buildings the posters will be installed on, which they believe is a necessary investment that will open up future possibilities for additional banners.

“Nearly 80 percent of the costs are related to updating the facilities to safely hang the banners and to avoid damaging the building’s exteriors,” McNeill stated. “Much of this is a one-time investment that will provide opportunities for many years to come, offering the potential for installing new banners for Weeks of Welcome, spring and fall commencement and other special events.”

VCU expects to increase enrollment numbers in the fall, and will hold two spring preview days in March and April, McNeill stated. These preview days will allow admitted students to experience life on campus and explore VCU’s academic programs, according to the VCU Admissions page. 

Admitted students will begin their preview day with a check-in, and spend their day gaining insight into VCU’s programs with their departmental sessions and exploring student resources, according to the VCU Admissions page.

VCU began prospective student tours on March 21 and will continue these tours through May 3 when tour season ends, according to the VCU Admissions page.

Christiane Neuschwander, a third-year chemical and life science engineering student, said she was able to experience different aspects of her chosen program when she attended preview day.

“I did the admitted students preview day, and that was nice. I got to sit in on a lecture and go to a lab, which was really cool,” Neuschwander said.

Nithya Charles, a student in the VCU business in advertising master’s program, said she shows tour groups her love for the school by being sure to put a smile on her face when they pass by.

“When tourists come around the Brandcenter building, I always try to look like I’m having a little extra fun because I want them to know that I like it here,” Charles said.

Elio Conroy, a student in the VCU business in advertising master’s program, said he wondered what life was like for the college students he observed when he toured college campuses in the past.

“I think it’s exciting to see prospective students around, I can remember being 17 and touring colleges, and it was scary,” Conroy said. “You look at the kids, and you think, these are their lives. So being on the other side is kind of fun.”