Buckeye Alumni Recruitment
Buckeye Alumni Recruitment
The BAR program's mission is to connect Ohio State alumni and parents to recruitment activities within Undergraduate Admissions.
A note from Undergraduate Admissions
Whether you are exploring the possibility of joining the BAR program or are a current member, we encourage you to explore this web space. Use the navigation below to begin learning more about our program and how to become a volunteer.
Volunteer to recruit
BAR volunteers may represent the university at college fairs in their communities, serve on an in-person or virtual panel, assist with registration and interact with guests at local receptions, and/or share a written testimonial. No matter the activity, the alumni and parent perspective is valuable as students consider becoming a Buckeye. BAR volunteers play an essential role in helping us to recruit a diverse and talented class.
What to Expect
- Act in a professional manner as a representative of The Ohio State University.
- Know general facts about the university as well as how to refer to recruitment materials and the admissions website for frequently asked questions about majors, tuition, deadlines and scholarships.
- Be knowledgeable about Undergraduate Admissions, the admissions process and the admissions cycle.
- Share your Ohio State experience and how it has prepared you for success after college with prospective students and families.
- Say “I don’t know” when you don’t know the answer to a student’s question. If you are uncertain about an answer, direct prospective students and family members to the admissions website, undergrad.osu.edu, or Undergraduate Admissions at 614-292-3980.
- Do not make any comment or promise regarding the possibility of a student’s admissibility to Ohio State. Many factors are considered when making an admissions decision in addition to ACT/SAT score and class rank. Read more about Ohio State’s holistic application review process.
- Do not make any comment or promise regarding financial aid eligibility. Encourage students to apply for admission by the early action deadline to be considered for scholarships and to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the deadline. Students and families with specific questions about the financial aid process should contact buckeyelink@osu.edu or call 614-292-0300.
- Wear a name tag noting The Ohio State University alumni designation.
- Provide feedback to admissions office on the volunteer experience and needs.
- Complete BAR training annually and renew commitment on an annual basis.
Required:
- A graduate of The Ohio State University or parent of current student
- Not a parent of a high school senior participating in the college application process
- Not a private educational consultant or agent for a current and/or prospective student
Other desired qualifications:
- Effective communicator
- Enthusiasm for Ohio State
- Comfortable volunteering under minimal supervision
- Ability and desire to interact with people from different backgrounds
Volunteer Resources
- Contact information for our admissions counselors
- Quick Ohio State facts and information about our regional campuses
- Admissions information for domestic freshman, international students and transfer students
- Information about our admissions deadlines and submitting an application for admission
- Cost and financial aid
- Academic opportunities at Ohio State, including options for undecided students and information about Honors and Scholars
- Athletics and recreational sports
- ROTC – Air Force / Army / Navy
- Education Abroad
- Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
- Service-Learning
- Get Involved Guide (student organizations, campus employment, service and community engagement, fraternities and sororities, cultural engagement and more)
- Center for Belonging and Social Change
- Buckeye Careers
- About Columbus
- Housing, including Learning Communities and other Involved Living opportunities, and the Second-Year Transformational Experience Program
- Dining
- Student Life
- Visit
Wish to recruit students from outside the United States? Please contact Undergraduate Admissions staff at AskAdmissions@osu.edu.
College Fairs
If you receive a request to attend a college fair or wish to find out if there is a college fair open to alumni volunteers in your area, please send it to AskAdmissions@osu.edu.
The following information can help you prepare for volunteering at a college fair. Whether you're preparing for your first college fair or your fiftieth, it's a good idea to become familiar with these general guidelines. They'll help you be prepared to assist prospective students and their families during your college fair.
- Once you've arranged with Undergraduate Admissions to attend a college fair, complete the College Fair Materials Request Form at least three weeks before the event in order for materials to arrive on time.
- Please watch the College Fair Training Video and review the following resources:
- Know the recruiting principles we follow and be familiar with examples of ethical and unethical behavior.
- Review the BAR volunteer resources on this page to learn the answers to some questions asked most often at college fairs.
- Review the reference materials, supplies and handouts in your college fair box.
- Follow up the day after the college fair by completing the College Fair Response Form online and return completed inquiry cards in the envelope provided in your college fair materials.
- If you have any follow-up items that need immediate attention, contact the BAR program coordinator.
For more information about volunteering to attend a college fair in your area, please email Undergraduate Admissions staff at askabuckeye@osu.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ohio State’s BAR (Buckeye Alumni Recruitment) program is an initiative by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and The Ohio State University Alumni Association to utilize alumni and parent volunteers in our efforts to reach and engage potential applicants and admitted students. BAR members will represent Ohio State in various outreach activities throughout the recruitment year.
BAR members can be alumni or friends of the university or parents of current Ohio State undergraduates. Although not required, we encourage volunteers to be undergraduate alumni themselves. A strong understanding and identification with Ohio State’s unique undergraduate experience is essential.
Please visit the How to Volunteer page for step-by-step instructions.
We ask that all potential admissions volunteers, regardless of past service, sign up for BAR and complete training on an annual basis. This will allow us to record your volunteer service and send you important program updates.
The admissions process is dynamic and ever-changing. Our needs vary greatly depending upon time of year, geographic locations and our applicant pool. We will contact you on an as-needed basis.
Much of the success of BAR depends on having a reliable group of volunteers at the ready. We ask for your patience as our network grows and evolves. We appreciate your enthusiasm and willingness to participate in our program.
If you completed BAR training or registered through the Ohio State VolunteerMatch site and did not receive an email within 24 hours, please contact the BAR program coordinator.
Regardless of where you move, you can still be a BAR volunteer!
We encourage you to contact the BAR program coordinator who can update your information; you can also update your information with The Ohio State University Alumni Association directly online.
Please also consider letting your local alumni club know if you have moved to a new city. Visit the Find a Club page to search for your local alumni club.
Yes! There are several volunteer opportunities that would not require you to attend an event and can be done from home, like webinars and other virtual activities. You can also showcase your Buckeye pride by sharing your Ohio State experience in the community and encouraging academically talented students to complete our online inquiry form, and visit or apply to Ohio State.
Thank you for your initiative! In general, college fair attendance must be approved by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. If you are interested in attending a future college fair for Ohio State, please email the BAR program coordinator or AskAdmissions@osu.edu with as much notice as possible so we can review and follow the proper steps for securing a table at the fair.
Contact
Brittany Savko
Undergraduate Admissions
The Ohio State University
281 West Lane Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210
614-292-3980
savko.7@osu.edu or AskAdmissions@osu.edu