For many high school students, choosing the right college can feel overwhelming. Websites, brochures, and campus tours provide valuable information, but they don’t always capture what daily academic life is truly like.
At Immaculata University, a growing initiative known as group shadow days is helping prospective students gain that deeper understanding through immersive, hands-on experiences.
Designed to give students an authentic glimpse into university life, shadow days allow prospective students to sit in on real classes, interact with faculty and current students, and explore campus in a supportive group environment. The program has quickly become a cornerstone of the university’s admissions outreach strategy, reflecting its commitment to transparency, community, and student success.
“Shadow days give students what we like to call a ‘day in the life,’” said Alexa Milano, Director of Undergraduate Admissions. “They move beyond marketing materials and allow prospective students to see firsthand what it means to be part of the Immaculata community.”
The concept evolved from earlier individual shadow opportunities that required students to coordinate visits independently. Recognizing the demand for a more streamlined and inclusive approach, admissions leaders collaborated to introduce scheduled group shadow days beginning in fall 2023. The program initially offered eight sessions across select academic majors. By fall 2025, the number had grown to 25 days, reflecting both strong interest and careful planning by the admissions team.
Since its launch, Immaculata has hosted 111 shadow days, providing hundreds of students with meaningful opportunities to explore academic programs ranging from nursing and exercise science to emergency planning and management. Some experiences are highly interactive. In exercise science sessions, for example, visitors have the chance to work with lab equipment alongside faculty and current students, offering an early introduction to hands-on learning.
Mariesa Capelli, Visit Center Operations Manager, oversees the logistics and execution of each event. From coordinating schedules with professors to preparing personalized agendas, Capelli ensures that participants can focus on exploring campus rather than navigating logistics.
Once students check in at the admissions building, the day is led primarily by Immaculata’s student ambassadors. These peer guides escort visitors to classes, introduce them to campus resources, and help foster connections throughout the experience. Organizers say the group setting helps ease nerves and encourages meaningful interaction.
“Students often start the day quietly, but by the end they’re exchanging contact information and imagining themselves here,” Milano said. “That sense of belonging is a powerful part of the experience.”
Unlike similar programs at some institutions, Immaculata’s shadow days are open to students at any stage of the college search process. High school juniors, seniors, transfer students, and even those who have not yet applied are welcome to participate. Organizers say this inclusive approach supports both recruitment and informed decision-making.
The university has also expanded the program to include sessions for undecided students, allowing them to sample core curriculum courses and meet with academic advisors. Survey feedback collected after each event indicates high levels of satisfaction, with many participants reporting increased clarity about their academic goals.
By combining academic exploration, peer engagement, and community-focused hospitality — including dining hall visits and faculty discussions — Shadow Days offer a comprehensive preview of life at Immaculata. University leaders believe the initiative not only strengthens enrollment efforts but also empowers students to make confident, well-informed choices about their future.
Learn more at Immaculata University and how it offers over 75 undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing academic excellence, personal growth, and faith-based values. The university is known for its personalized education and commitment to student success.
