Volunteer to Recruit
Volunteer to Recruit
As an alumni volunteer, you can make an impact on the future of Ohio State by helping Undergraduate Admissions to find, recruit and retain talented high school students.
Thank you for your willingness to help us recruit the best and brightest students to Ohio State. Much of the success of BAR depends on having a reliable group of volunteers at the ready. Because the needs of the admissions office vary depending on time of year, geographic locations and applicant pool, we will contact you on an as-needed basis.
Become a BAR volunteer
In order to ensure that you feel comfortable representing Undergraduate Admissions, there are a few steps that you will need to take to become an alumni volunteer with BAR:
1 Step 1: Review self-paced training modules (or attend an upcoming live training)
2 Step 2: Complete the required forms
3 Step 3: Congratulations!
You are now in our pool of certified BAR volunteers. Admissions staff and Alumni Association Regional Engagement Officers will reach out to you with upcoming volunteer opportunities.
The following are some recruitment efforts you may be asked to help with:
Student receptions
Volunteers assist admission staff with regional events in select recruitment territories in and outside of the state of Ohio. Duties can include greeting participants and helping them check in, mingling and answering questions as a part of a panel discussion.
Phone calls
Volunteers make congratulatory phone calls to recently admitted students, usually in the area where they live. Additionally, volunteers can answer questions, guide admitted students to Ohio State resources and encourage students to attend events in their areas.
Spot a Buckeye
Help admissions find the best and brightest future Buckeyes! When you know of an outstanding prospective student that would be a great candidate for Ohio State, refer them to the online inquiry form at go.osu.edu/aboutme.
College fairs
Alumni serve as ambassadors at college fairs in their areas by staffing Ohio State booths, talking with interested students and their families, answering questions and concerns, and distributing recruitment materials. Learn more about college fairs. Know of an upcoming event in your area? Share local college fair or visit opportunities with Undergraduate Admissions for consideration at AskAdmissions@osu.edu.
Webinars and virtual opportunities
Alumni may serve as panelists on webinars or participate in other types of virtual activities to connect with prospective students and families. Live programming may occur through Zoom or other platforms, and non-live opportunities (sharing an alumni testimonial, for example) may occur through e-mail, recorded video, social media or other digital content. Volunteers interested in live virtual experiences should be familiar with technology and have stable internet access.
Postcard and letter writing
Volunteers write congratulatory postcards to admitted students from their local area encouraging them to pay their acceptance fee and join the Buckeye family. Additional opportunities to connect with prospective students by writing letters or postcards may be available throughout the recruitment process. Contact AskAdmissions@osu.edu if you or your alumni club are interested in participating.
Host a recruitment event
Consider hosting a student recruitment event in your home or business! Events hosted by alumni and friends of the university make a positive impact on a student’s decision to apply to and/or attend Ohio State. Planned in partnership with Undergraduate Admissions, these events occur in target areas across the country. If interested in learning more, please reach out to the BAR program coordinator.
Share your Buckeye pride
BAR volunteers serve as ambassadors of The Ohio State University and are encouraged to showcase Buckeye pride in their home away from campus. Consider sharing your Ohio State story in the community and encouraging academically talented students to complete our online inquiry form and visit or apply to Ohio State. Small gestures such as wearing scarlet & gray, or sporting a Buckeye yard flag or bumper sticker, show your support and passion for the Ohio State experience.