Difficult Questions
Can I bring my emotional support animal to school?
You'll need to go through the accommodation process with SADR
A family offers to buy you dinner after the tour.
Politely Decline
What were WSU's original colors?
Pink and Blue
A parent complains about parking throughout the tour.
Redirect to the positive aspects of WSU, but acknowledge their frustrations
You don't know the answer to a visitor's question.
Admit it and connect them with someone who can help
Should I bring a car to campus?
If you want! Consider costs, uses, and parking passes
A student asks for your Instagram so they can ask more questions later.
Blame your boss
How many campuses does WSU have?
Six
A parent argues with information you've shared.
Stay calm, avoid debate, and refer them to appropriate resources
There is a protest happening on the Mall
Reroute the tour, remain calm
Is WSU is a party school?
No.
A family insists on giving you a gift card to thank you.
WSU has strict gift policies, offer that they can give you positive feedback instead
WSU was established as this type of institution dedicated to accessible, high quality education
Land Grant
A mom asks where the parents rooms are in the residence halls so she can visit her son
Direct them to hotels in the area
Your Cougar Card does not work to get you into Stephenson
Skip the stop, but pause to explain more about housing and offer virtual tours
Is campus safe?
Speak to personal experiences, cite the blue lights, cadet program, online stats
An Alumni starts giving their own unofficial tour commentary.
Politely state that you are going to keep moving through the tour talking points so families can get the information they need, but offer to listen to some of their facts at the end
Why does Bryan Clock Tower glow crimson?
So Cougs can find their way back home
A parent answers every question before their student can speak.
Redirect conversation to include the student
Guest wants to get a coffee at the Starbucks in the Spark during the tour and asks you to wait for them
If you have time, maybe, but state that you are on a tight schedule and let them know where they can catch up with you
Why should I attend WSU instead of University of Washington?
Cuz we're better, DUH
JK, small town, lot's of resources and opportunities, accessibility
A current student yells "Don't go here" during your tour
What was the name of WSU's original mascot?
Squirt the Terrier
A parent or supporter is lagging behind and can't keep up with the tour group
Take as much breaks as possible, ask if they would like to meet up with the tour group at the end
A guest rolls their ankle in the middle of the tour. Has trouble putting weight on it, let alone walking
Make sure they are comfortable and sitting, call a pro-staff, the tour can move on once they have arrived