The University of Idaho welcomed incoming freshmen and their families to campus at Friday’s UIdaho Bound event in preparation for the fall term.   

UIdaho Bound is UI’s in-person event for newly admitted students to register for classes, tour campus buildings, finalize housing and ask questions about UI and the college experience.

Roughly 250 incoming students participated in the event, according to Strategic Enrollment Management Web Coordinator Megan Clark. As mentioned in The Argonaut’s coverage of the UIdaho Bound event in June, this year’s events are structured slightly differently than previous years.

Some portions of the event were moved online while others were adjusted to allow for social distancing. Instead of choosing from large informational panels, representatives from colleges and other campus groups stood at tables around campus to offer information to passing students and families. Tours were offered to small groups when requested instead of large groups leaving at regularly scheduled times.

“We structured it this way because of COVID-19,” Associate Director of Admissions Angela Helmke said. “We wanted families to be able to make their way across campus to the various departments and colleges they needed to speak with. It’s nice that everyone wanted to be available to answer questions and talk to incoming students about what they could offer.”  

In addition to changing the structure of the event, all participants were required to wear a face covering. 

Dean Kahler, the vice provost for strategic enrollment management, said visiting a school in person to determine if it’s the right fit for each student is important. 

“People want face to face interaction at some point, especially when they’re investing a tremendous amount of money,” Kahler said. “We have people here from Nevada, from Arizona, from California, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, Alaska, and they want to see the campus at least once before they commit to coming here and this is an opportunity for them to do that.” 

At an informational panel in the Kibbie Dome, Dean of Students Blaine Eckles encouraged incoming freshman to get involved once they arrive. He mentioned intramural sports, student government and other organizations and clubs on campus.  

“We do still plan on having great opportunities for you to engage and connect with other students because we know learning occurs both inside and outside of the classroom. But it may look a little different from what it traditionally would be,” Eckles said. “Don’t let the coronavirus and what’s happening prevent you from leaving your room, because if you’re coming to campus and not leaving your room, you’re not doing college right.” 

UI plans to offer in-person courses for the fall term but will move online after Thanksgiving break. UI President C. Scott Green recently sent an email with more information on the university’s fall plan, which can be read on the UI presidential memos page. 

Angela Palermo can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @apalermooo