Campus closures at colleges and universities across the country are spreading as fast as the novel coronavirus itself. While higher education has previously endured national emergencies (think 9/11/01) and weathered various crises (fires, floods, and flu), the timing and scope of COVID-19 are unprecedented. College admission is certainly not immune to the impact of this disease and it is having very real consequences for enrollment managers and the students whom they hope to attract.
Over the next month, high school seniors throughout the country and world are receiving admission decisions and will have to choose the school in which they will enroll. In a normal year, applicants who have multiple acceptances typically weigh their options and, if they have the resources, visit each campus they are seriously considering. For students who might not have the financial means to pay their way to visit schools, some colleges provide funds to make this possible. Students often attend admitted student programs and might tour the campus again, attend a class, stay overnight and have the opportunity to meet their future classmates.