COLLEGE TO HOST VIRTUAL OPEN EVENT IN RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS

Image caption: Virtual Open Event Logo

North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire (NWSLC) is set to stage its first ever virtual online open event as social distancing measures continue during the coronavirus pandemic. Due to be hosted on the college’s website on Wednesday 6 May 2020, the virtual event will offer a personalised experience providing 360-degree campus tours, video presentations from tutors and live chats with tour guides and advisors.

The idea was developed against the current background of uncertainty, particularly for young people who were due to take their GCSE exams this summer. Keen to ensure that they understand their options for September 2020, the college responded by designing an innovative platform to enable young people to get access to the information and advice they need while staying safe at home during the lockdown period.

Without needing to leave home, prospective students will be guided through a personalised online open event experience during which they will be able to access information on course options, careers information, financial help and any support they might need in college. They will also find out how to apply to college and what the process will be to help them achieve a college place this September.

NWSLC’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Anita Ladva-Cheung said, “We usually operate several open events at all our campuses throughout the year and, as these cannot now go ahead, we devised a virtual event that encompasses all our locations and subject areas on a single date.

“We understand that this is a difficult time for everyone, especially for school leavers who are not now going to be sitting their GCSE exams this year. Although most college buildings are closed, we are still here to help and advise young people, and we are accepting applications for places on courses starting in September 2020.”

The first 100 people to pre-register for the event online will receive a VR viewer in the post that will enhance their experience of the 360-degree tours.

Participants in the virtual open event which takes place between 5pm and 8pm on 6 May 2020 will be able to:

• Learn about courses and qualifications
• Chat in real time with tour guides and tutors
• Find out about college finance and bursaries
• Hear from current students about their experiences
• Explore our campuses with 360-dgree virtual reality tours.

The event is suitable for anyone who is considering starting a full-time college course or apprenticeship in September 2020 including adults seeking professional qualifications, higher education, or distance learning.

NWSLC remains partially open at its Nuneaton Campus to support the children of keyworkers, those with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), students in local authority care, and other students that are known to be vulnerable.

Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, Principal and Chief Executive of NWSLC said, “I am delighted that the college is able to ‘open its doors’ online in this way to help young people who are planning their next move in difficult circumstances. We’re all getting used to using technology a lot more during this period of social distancing and we hope that our virtual event will provide an accessible, enjoyable and informative way of finding out more about what the college has to offer. We are very keen to showcase the fantastic experience they will enjoy when they come to college, and we are happy to be able to assure them of a place with us for this September.”