6 Key Takeaways from a College Tour in Central North Carolina
Exploring North Carolina’s Independent Colleges
In June 2016, I had the opportunity to tour 12 colleges and universities in North Carolina as a guest of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU). Alongside 35 high school admissions counselors from across the U.S., I spent 5.5 whirlwind days exploring campuses, staying in dorms, dining in student cafeterias, and speaking with university presidents, admissions officers, and students.
📊 Quick Stats from the Tour:
✔ 12 colleges and universities visited
✔ 5 different dorm stays
✔ 17 campus meals
✔ 26.24 miles walked (according to my Fitbit!)
✔ Countless insights gained into college trends, student life, and academic innovations
Here are six major insights from my time on the road:
1. Say Goodbye to Laundry Quarters
Gone are the days of hoarding quarters for campus laundry rooms. Many colleges now offer free laundry facilities or integrate payment into student ID swipe cards. Some campuses even have in-room or suite-based laundry options for added convenience.
2. Internships & Experiential Learning Are a Must
🔹 Internships and hands-on learning are no longer optional—they are key to career readiness.
🔹 Colleges are shifting away from passive, lecture-heavy classes toward interactive learning with projects, discussions, and real-world applications.
🔹 Dedicated career services and internship offices are available to help students gain employable skills before graduation.
3. Study Abroad is Evolving
🌍 Study abroad programs are no longer just about travel—they’re a launch pad for global careers.
🔹 Many schools emphasize cultural awareness, language immersion, and international internships.
🔹 Some universities even offer study abroad opportunities for freshmen before they set foot on campus!
4. Academic Support is for Everyone
📚 Tutoring, writing centers, and academic support programs aren’t just for struggling students—they’re designed to help all students succeed.
🔹 Many campuses now provide free tutoring, writing assistance, and subject-specific mentoring to ensure academic success for all majors.
5. Ethics Education is Gaining Traction
🧑⚖️ Ethics courses are becoming more common, especially in business and leadership programs.
🔹 Schools are emphasizing ethical decision-making to prepare students for responsible leadership roles in a rapidly changing world.
6. Emerging Popular Majors
New high-demand majors are rising in popularity, including:
✔ Sustainability & Environmental Science 🌱
✔ Exercise Science & Kinesiology 🏋️♂️
✔ Communications & Media Studies 🎙️
Final Thoughts
This college bus tour gave me a front-row seat to the latest trends in higher education. From internships and global experiences to academic support and emerging majors, today’s colleges are adapting to help students succeed in both college and career.
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