Hot Topics webinar - free to all
Traditional campus tours highlight a university's scenic exteriors, but what about the interior spaces where students actually live, learn and connect?
This session explores how virtual reality and augmented reality are transforming campus exploration, providing incoming students with fully immersive, interactive experiences that build confidence and ease the transition to college life.
Through immersive 3D walkthroughs, incoming students at the University of Arkansas explore their residence halls, from living spaces to shared common areas, gaining critical insights into room dimensions, furniture layouts and features like laundry rooms and front desks.
Interactive touchpoints provide essential details — mattress sizes, bathroom setups and customisation ideas from current students — fostering a sense of familiarity and ownership before they even arrive.
Beyond housing, VR and AR technology empower students to virtually navigate key campus locations, from bustling student unions to academic buildings and cultural landmarks.
They can locate professors' offices, explore historic sites and preview art galleries, ensuring they feel comfortable and prepared before stepping onto campus. By reducing uncertainty and increasing a sense of belonging, these virtual experiences contribute to student wellbeing, engagement and success.
Virtual campus exploration also plays a crucial role in accessibility. For students with disabilities or mobility challenges, detailed previews of elevators, ramps and accessible (ADA) restrooms ensure they can confidently navigate their new environment. Neurodivergent students benefit from structured, self-paced exploration, reducing anxiety associated with unfamiliar spaces.
You will learn how pre-arrival virtual exploration reduces stress, increases preparedness and enhances student wellbeing — ultimately improving retention and success rates.
This session will provide practical insights on implementation, best practices and strategies for integrating VR and AR campus tours into student engagement initiatives.
Your speakers
Christopher Spencer
Assistant Director for Marketing and Strategic Communications — University of Arkansas
Christopher Spencer is a seasoned storyteller and strategic communicator passionate about blending technology and content to enhance the higher education experience. As the assistant director for marketing and strategic communications at the University of Arkansas Housing, he leads efforts to connect with residential students through innovative digital strategies, user-focused design and emerging technologies.
With a background spanning journalism, web design and UX strategy, Christopher has spearheaded marketing campaigns, introduced AI and VR tools into student engagement and managed high-impact digital platforms. His work in crisis communications, content strategy and student mentorship underscores his commitment to fostering inclusive, data-driven, forward-thinking approaches in higher education.
Brooklynn Prince
Marketing Intern — University of Arkansas
Brooklynn is currently earning her bachelor's in advertising and public relations. Her interests focus on marketing and public relations with a specialty in media production and entertainment.