Q: Where is the Dunn family sweetheart tree located? \nA: Inside the Chemistry building. \nQ: What is the average class size at IU? \nA: 33.3 students. \nQ: How many different clubs and organizations does this campus have? \nA: About 400.
It's time to get out those walking shoes, because on a campus tour, all these questions and more will be answered. \nSeniors Katie Buck and Kevin Pollack are the student directors for the 2001-2002 campus tour guide team. They head up a group of 63 students, ranging from sophomores to seniors, who volunteer their time every week to give tours to prospective students and parents.\nMembers of the team go through a rigorous application process. Starting in early March, applications are available for the following school year. Applicants are interviewed by the student directors in groups of four or five.\n"We ask basic questions to get a feel for how they communicate, their personalities and if they have good eye contact," Buck said.\nPollack gave some pointers on how to become a guide. \n"We really focus on enthusiasm for Indiana University as well as a willingness to share their positive experience at IU," he said. "Knowledge of tons of IU facts is not a prerequisite."\nAfter the initial meetings, the pool is cut in half, and those applicants are called back for a more in-depth interview. After these interviews, the student directors face the toughest part of the process -- choosing the team. They sit down for as long as it takes until they are satisfied with their decisions. This year, they had more than 100 applicants for 20 spots. \nTours go out rain or shine. As Bev Byers, a receptionist for the Admissions Office, said, "If you have a student come here from India who wants to take a tour, will you tell him no simply because it's raining?"\nUnless there is lightning outside, there are at least three tours every day -- at 10 a.m., 1:30 and 2 p.m. The same is true in the winter.\nSenior Camille Jones has been a tour guide for two years.\n"I think that students and parents have to get a student perspective," she said. "Each person on the team will give a different perspective, because we have a diverse group of students on the team. Every person is unique."\nThe tour guides have many facts to share about the campus. For example, for every tree cut down at IU, another one must be planted in its place. Also, the Lilly Library has George Washington's letter accepting the presidency.\nBuck and Pollack said that being a tour guide is very important for the University.\n"Tour guides are the representation of the school that you see," Buck said. "If they're the only glimpse you get, they're going to decide whether or not you go to that school."\nPollack added, "If the tour guide can give the family honest answers and share their experiences in a positive manner, it will make each visitor's experience at IU that much better"
