College Fair Guidelines
These guidelines are provided by the National Association of College Admissions Counselors. This groupis an organization of nearly 16,000 professionals from around the world dedicated to serving students as they make choices about pursuing postsecondary education. NACAC is committed to maintaining high standards that foster ethical and social responsibility among those involved in the transition process.
Highlighted here are those guidelines that are most relevant as a representative at fairs, but please take note of all rules.
- A salaried staff member or a trained volunteer must represent the institution at the fair.
- Admission requirements and deadlines should be stated accurately.
- Precise information about costs, financial aid opportunities, housing opportunities, and deposits should be readily available.
- Pictures and description of the campus(es) should be current and realistic.
- Descriptions of special programs (i.e., support services for learning disabilities, overseas study, AP credits, honors programs, etc.) should be accurate and specific.
- The following materials are not to be distributed at the fair: bumper stickers, buttons, pennants, pens, pencils, posters, candy, t-shirts, or other gimmicks. Appropriate giveaway items include fact sheets, brochures, and catalogs describing an institution and its programs.
- Visual aids and audio equipment are not permitted unless the college fair organizer gives permission. Displays may not exceed 18" in height and 40" in width.
- All interactions must be confined to each institution's area and from behind the table on the part of the representative.
- Any transactions involving an exchange of monies are prohibited, as are drawings, contests, or lotteries of any kind.
- It is the responsibility of the college representatives to monitor their own table area. Students should complete information cards on the designated table of the institution in which they are interested, not spread out to other institutions' tables.
- Representatives should speak only of their own institution and not speak negatively of other institutions.
- Representatives are expected to remain at the fair until its stated end or until the college fair organizer states that the fair is over.
- Any problems that arise should be directed to the attention of the college fair organizer at the fair.
- Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in not being invited to attend future college fairs.