Assiniboine goes digital to stay connected with community

Amid physical distancing measures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Assiniboine has adapted to a digital environment to ensure prospective students and their families can continue to map their education goals. The college has moved information sessions online and continues to develop virtual campus tours.

“We’re ensuring there’s not an interruption in services for those who are thinking about college,” said Erin Lambert, Manager of Recruitment & Conversion at Assiniboine.

It’s important to us that people considering their education and training path have access to information and a friendly face to help them navigate what can feel like a complex environment—especially at a distance.

Typically, the spring would see Assiniboine’s recruitment team on the road and in communities providing in-person information at trade shows, career fairs and presentations to groups of prospective students, often followed up by in-person meetings and campus tours with students interested in learning more.

Instead, Assiniboine recruiters have been connecting with future students directly, but from a distance, with phone calls and emails. Outside of these conversations, Assiniboine has shifted their regular information sessions online to a webinar format.

“These online info sessions are designed to be fun and relaxed while giving participants a good understanding of programs, services, and supports,” said Lambert. “If a person can wear their pyjamas at home and join us from their smartphone or laptop, I think that’s considered a pretty stress-free environment!”

In the coming days, Assiniboine will be bringing even more focused topics into free webinar formats including Indigenous student supports and Athletics.

“Our priority is ensuring prospective students, parents and others can connect with us to plan for college and ask questions about things like financial aid and specific student supports unique to them,” said Lambert. “There’s still options to get this information, they’re just different than what we’re used to. People have been really receptive to the changes.”

Assiniboine connects with a wide range of prospective students, including those who are heading to college straight from high school, university graduates who are looking for a career-specific advanced credential, and those who are considering their options for a new career amid changes in their current employment.

Those interested in learning more about exploring programs and services for students at Assiniboine can see what’s currently being offered at assiniboine.net/connect.