This time last year, Lake Land College was preparing for it’s annual Laker Visit Day. Full of prospective Lakers, the college would be buzzing with tours, counselling meetings and more. However, these days of excitement have had a damper on them since the onset of COVID-19. Because of the virus, Lake Land had no choice but to put a halt to the Laker Visit Days, along with individual tours, high school visits and college fairs.

However, with the slow decrease in COVID-19 cases and the increased safety measures put in place, Lake Land College has premiered a new way to invite Lake Land College prospects to campus. Named the “Preview Open House,” this small scale Laker Visit Day offers a safe, comfortable way for students to visit campus and understand the college they want to attend. 

First of all, a safety net of protective measures has been put in place to protect not only those coming to campus, but also those who work here. Those who are coming to campus must fill out a campus visit form. This form ensures that the students have no symptoms, have not been exposed and are healthy enough to visit. Obviously, each student and their parents are required to wear a mask at all times. This is the same for each employee and student ambassador that are in attendance to run the Preview Open House. There is a maximum of 50 people allowed to be in attendance, and students must reserve their spot before coming. Social distancing measures are also followed at all times. Because of COVID-19, there is no giant social period at the end of the day, where students can talk to the apartments, counselors and the head of each department in the Field House. Instead, students can make appointments to talk one-on-one with a faculty member in their field of choice, as well as make appointments to tour Lake Land Living. 

The day starts in the Luther Student Center, where the students are checked in and led to the theater by a student ambassador. Then, they are introduced to the staff and the ambassadors and are given a chance to introduce themselves. After that, they are led on a tour of campus by a student ambassador and given the low down about all the perks of Lake Land College. Lastly, the students are led back to the theater and given the opportunity to participate in a small Q&A. If they choose to meet with staff, they are allowed to afterwards, and each student is also given the opportunity to set up their Laker Hubs and get started on their online orientation. 

These Preview Open Houses are scheduled for March 19, April 19 and April 23 at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Along with the Preview Open House, students are also allowed to schedule individual tours. These tours are basically the same as pre-COVID, but with the safety measures in place to protect those involved. The tours can be scheduled for Mondays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Tuesdays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and Wednesdays at 2 p.m. Should a student feel uneasy about joining us on campus, there is always the option to meet virtually with the Admissions team. Those videos can be accessed on the Lake Land College website.