Jayhawk Welcome Center
“
This vision hatched from wanting to create the launch spot for campus visits in a way
that nobody else had ever done before.
Douglas A. Girod, University of Kansas Chancellor
How do you create a remarkable and personalized experience that sets you apart from the competition? The Jayhawk Welcome Center is changing the game in student recruitment and alumni engagement as one of the smartest, most curated welcome centers in higher education. Putting prospective students at the center of their own story, the welcome center warrants an inherent sense of belonging and possibilities unique to the University of Kansas. Since its grand opening, The Jayhawk Welcome Center and Adams Alumni Center have hosted nearly 800 events and over 20,000 guests.
To make this a reality, university stakeholders teamed up with DI and partners Helix Architecture + Design and McCownGordon Construction to create an industry-leading, tech-stacked space that welcomes prospective and current students, embraces returning alumni, and illustrates what it means to be a Kansas Jayhawk – all under one roof.
In addition to creating brand elements, environmental graphics and "wow" moments throughout the crimson-and-blue-coated space, our team was responsible for developing, fabricating and installing all touchscreen technology and digital interactives inside the center. DI created a custom content management system (CMS) that is closely integrated into the university’s existing enrollment software, allowing KU staff to quickly and seamlessly control and update new content displays as needed.
The Jayhawk Welcome
Prior to their visit, prospective students receive a QR code to share details regarding their field of study, unique interests and other relevant information. This allows KU staff to cultivate a unique journey for each visitor. With QR scanners positioned at the check-in desk and in front of each digital activation, visitors can scan their unique code, prompting the integrated CMS to pull and display digital content tailored to their interests.
A massive, two-story Nonolumens LED wall marks the welcome center’s entry, greeting visitors with personalized messages and timely campus updates. The fully programmable screen was designed to serve as a configurable widget board that displays looping content, imagery and videos.
18%
The Jayhawk Welcome Center helped contribute to an 18% increase in 2023 freshman enrollment at KU – the largest class in the university's history
11
Total QR scanners accompanied by 8 digital interactives
The Jayhawk Experience
Curious about what it looks, feels, and even sounds like to be a part of the KU community? Directly behind the lobby entrance is the Jayhawk Experience, where visitors can get a sneak peek at life and culture on campus. Two LED screens mirror the hallway, displaying 360 content views, imagery and video footage with booming surround sound – putting you in the center of it all.
From celebrating a national championship alongside “The Phog” at Allen Fieldhouse to taking a virtual tour of the university’s renowned broadcast station, the Jayhawk Experience transports visitors across campus to give a sense of what life at KU could look like.
The Jayhawk Network
The Jayhawk Network is designed to offer a glimpse into the powerful and intertwined community available to students for support, professional mentoring and career connections both during and after their time at KU.
Visitors can scroll and select different profiles to learn more about recent graduates’ unique stories and “Why KU'' testimonials. Featuring a wide range of majors, backgrounds, hometowns and personal narratives, DI designed this interactive experience to demonstrate the diverse and driven student population, proving anyone from anywhere can do remarkable things as a Jayhawk.
The other side of the hallway represents the vast network of tenured graduates living all over the world. Using the touchscreen monitors, visitors can peruse the map or spin the digital globe at an international, national and state level to explore the stories of established, career-driven alumni.
Notable Alumni and Leadership
Some of the most influential names in entertainment, politics, academics and athletics walked the Hill as Kansas Jayhawks. The Leadership and Legacy experience highlights the lives and significant achievements of prominent alumni and how KU helped shape their success. Visitors can browse the star-studded profiles or scan their QR code for more curated content.
Origins and Traditions
What exactly is a Jayhawk, anyway? This interactive element blends the digital and physical for a historic stroll down Rock Chalk lane. Visitors can discover the genesis of KU traditions, chants, and culture through two LED touch screens paired with branded audio and video content.
Adjacent to the Origins and Traditions interactive is a customized photo booth our team created to give visitors a one-of-a-kind keepsake and shareable moment from their time at the center. Visitors can customize their photo using the 75” touchscreen, choosing their background from a gallery of campus landmarks and digital stickers. The final image(s) are sent via text or email to their phone.
Research and Innovation
Using today’s information to inspire tomorrow’s potential, KU prides itself on cutting-edge initiatives and academic breakthroughs happening not only in the heart of Lawrence but worldwide. This digital audio interactive goes beyond lab coats and data to uncover how Jayhawks are improving the world through research in science, art, healthcare, and even the detailed physics of baton twirling.
Welcoming Students Past, Present and Future
The Jayhawk Welcome Center tells a unique and engaging story to commemorate and connect the unforgettable people, places, and experiences inside the campus community and beyond. DI was honored to help bring this revolutionary and strategic campus experience to life both digitally and physically. Rock Chalk, Jayhawk!
Testimonials
I really loved how personal the Welcome Center was. I appreciated receiving information on my selected interests through the personalized QR code. It was both entertaining and informative!
Prospective Student, California
Walking through the glass doors to see my name cast on the giant LED screen was a surreal experience. The newly built Jayhawk Welcome Center is stunning in every single aspect.
Prospective Student, St. Louis, MO
Learn more about immersive technology, recruitment centers and student experience design.
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Justin Wood
Principal / Sports + Higher Education Practice Director
With over 20 years of experience communicating and developing meaningful projects with clients, Justin Wood brings an unparalleled range of expertise to Dimensional Innovations. As the Sports and Higher Education Practice Director,... more about Justin Wood
Eric Buckels
Associate Account Director
As an Associate Account Director, Eric’s primary focus lies in actively listening to and comprehending his clients’ requirements, enabling him to guide proficient teams that excel in problem-solving and crafting exceptional... more about Eric Buckels