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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

Talk to Our Experts

Whether you have a fully-baked idea or are just exploring the possible, our proven-effective approach makes it easy to help you determine where to start and how DI can help. We'd love to learn more!

 

Get in Touch
Justin Wood

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 Justin Wood 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, Justin feeds his passion for developing matchless, engaging experiences for our clients by focusing on dynamic environments. He has led the charge of building these practice portfolios through developing sponsorship activations, halls of fame and immersive branding experiences.

His leadership in projects help clients and brands improve the pro and collegiate experience by connecting their story to interactive and physical environments. Justin’s resume also boasts seven years of running his own design-build consulting company.

Justin’s portfolio of projects has appeared in multiple sports market publications, and he has presented at ALSD, SEGD’s Dynamic Environments series and at multiple Sports Business Journal workshops. Justin was named as an SBJ Power Player in 2020.

Eric Buckels

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 Eric Buckels 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 experiences within DI's sports and higher education practices. Eric possesses a distinctive talent for anticipating issues and swiftly devising solutions while cultivating trust among his clients and project collaborators.

With a wealth of experience spanning diverse project types encompassing sports heritage, experiential branding, immersive technology, sponsorship activation, recruitment and retention strategies, Eric brings a comprehensive approach to guiding clients seamlessly through every phase of their projects. Each successful project has enriched his ability to create impactful and innovative solutions tailored to the ever-evolving landscape of sports and higher education experiences.

 
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Every big opportunity starts with a small step forward. We're here to help you! Let’s jump on the phone, say hello, and discuss your virtual meeting or experience need, in a quick 15-minute FIT call. Prefer email? That's cool, too! Drop us a line - we're always happy to connect.

Get In Touch With Our Experts

Every big opportunity starts with a small step forward. We're here to help you! Let’s jump on the phone, say hello and discuss your need, idea or project in a quick 15-minute FIT call. Prefer email? That's cool, too! Drop us a line - we're always happy to connect.

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