There are plenty of ways to engage with students, including virtually.

Emails, Phone Calls, and Text Messages

Email and phone calls (as well as text message, if a student has opted in) are great ways to make an initial introduction and to maintain contact with students.

If you’d like to have a phone call with a student, we recommend reaching out via email first to see if they’re open to this option and to set up a time that works for both of you.

Video Chatting

A video chat with a student can allow for meaningful, face-to-face interactions. Please be sensitive to a student’s ability to have a long video chat.

Since you are working with minors, if you offer to meet with a student 1:1 in a video setting, there must be another adult over 18 years of age present in the virtual room, whether that is the student's parent or guardian or another ASR. If you have any questions about this policy, please do not hesitate to reach out to our staff.

Virtual Receptions and Virtual Office Hours

You may wish to connect with several students from the same high school or the same geographical area all at once.

When planning a virtual event, the first option is what we might call a “virtual reception,” where you invite multiple students to participate in a video call with you at a specified date and time.

Another option is holding “virtual office hours,” where you offer one or more time frames and make yourself available via video conference to answer student questions. There’s no formal start or end to your program – you’re simply making yourself available and letting students know when and how they can drop in to chat with you.

Videos for Admitted Students

Pass along these videos for admitted students to watch at their leisure.