EVANSVILLE, Ind. – While facilities are closed through July 6 due to restrictions around the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Southern Indiana is providing another way for prospective students to tour the school's grounds in-person.

Led by a Screagle Pride admissions van, families can tour the university's academic buildings, sports arenas, residential spaces and future development sites from their cars during USI's drive-thru campus tours.

This is a departure from most college visits, as several schools have been forced to conduct virtual tours due to COVID-19. Rashad Smith, executive director of admissions, said USI staff looked to provide in-person tours that fit within safety guidelines.

"It's a very creative opportunity for people to actually physically be on campus and see what we have to offer, but in a way that's completely social distanced," Smith said.

After first announcing the drive-thru tours, Koryn Parsons, senior assistant director of Undergraduate Admissions, said the school immediately received encouraging responses from students and families.

In developing the tour, Parsons said the admissions team has worked diligently to ensure families receive the best experience possible.

"People are really excited about the opportunity to come to campus," she said. "We're going to be ready."

The tours will include a Zoom Conference call to allow families to ask questions along the drive, and various stops for participants to "soak in the campus," Parson said. Those stops aren't just to view each campus building, but to highlight the people connected to the university and inspire students to join the Screaming Eagles community.

"Everyone is passionate about this place, and I think sharing our own personal experiences as a student or as an employee can help them picture themselves here as well," Parsons said.

So far, Smith says the university has received calls from families in Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee and other neighboring areas who have made reservations to participate in the tour.

And, while visitors are relegated to viewing the campus' sites through their car windows, USI currently plans to allow families to tour inside school facilities starting July 13.

Until then, Smith said the school will enhance its virtual option by adding video to the narration, and resume driving tours for families that may shy away from traditional walking tours beginning later this summer.

"The main thing for us is to provide as many options as we can to help support what has already been a stressful time for parents and students, and just try to alleviate some of that anxiety," he said.

Driving tours will take place Monday through Friday, and select Saturdays, with morning spots at 10 a.m. and potential evening options at 6 p.m. To sign up, visit USI's website at https://www.usi.edu/admissions/schedule-a-visit/drive-thru-campus-tour

– Courier & Press