In order to be eligible to try out, you must be able to give at least three semesters to the Guide Service - one as a probationary member and two as a Guide. Unfortunately, students in their final year cannot try out.
It is best to sign up on the first day because spots tend to go pretty fast, and you want to maximize your chances of reserving a time that is ideal for you. However, rest assured that there will be plenty of spots open on the second day as well.
Each candidate can only sign up for one Trial Tour spot. If you cannot make either of these two days, send a friend in your place. If this is a problem, please contact the probie chair in advance.
You must sign-up with guides whom you do not know!
What is a trial tour?
The first phase of Guide Service try outs is a trial tour, which is a 15-minute, historical tour of the Lawn that you, the tour guide,
will prepare and deliver to two members of the Guide Service who will be your "tourists." While you are responsible for all of the information
on the Historical Fact Sheet, you do not have to include all of these facts in your tour. You are welcome and encouraged to add any additional
information you have learned. As the tour guide, you should expect questions from your "tourists." If they ask you questions about information
NOT on the fact sheet, and you do not know the answer, you should admit that you do not know the answer to their question but that you can find
out the answer at the end of the tour in Pavilion VIII. By doing so, you will not be penalized for your inability to answer.
Where do I go for my trial tour?
Meet your "tourists" in the library of Pavilion VIII on the Lawn. When you enter the Pavilion, the library is at the end of the hall on the
right before the staircase. Your tourists will meet you in the library, and you may proceed with them to wherever you wish to begin your tour.
They will not begin their evaluation until you tell them that you are ready to start.
How should I prepare for my trial tour?
The best way to study the information on the fact sheet, and learn how to deliver the information in a cohesive, polished manner, is to attend
regular historical tours given by members of the University Guide Service. Tours begin in the Rotunda at 10, 11, 2, 3, and 4 daily. You have
the option of joining only the Lawn portion of the tour, which usually begins around half-past the hour on the South steps of the Rotunda. However,
I recommend tagging along on an entire tour because guides include important and useful information inside the Rotunda.
How are trial tours evaluated?
Two guides will observe your tour as if they were tourists visiting the University for the first time. You will be judged in several
categories designed to evaluate your ablity to prepare and execute an historically accurate and engaging tour.
- Punctuality and Appropriate Dress - Were you on time and wearing tour attire (business casual)?
- Historical Accuracy - Did you know all of the dates and facts on the Historical Fact Sheet? Did you make an effort to include extra information gleaned from attending tours and outside research?
- Adaptability - Where you flustered by potential distractions (other tour groups, activity on the Lawn, construction, weather)? Were you able to adjust your tour in the event of unexpected circumstances?
- Mechanics and Delivery - How were your speaking pace, volume and clarity? Were you able to maintain poise and avoid using filler words?
- Organization - Was your flow of information smooth and logical? Did you include a clear introduction and conclusion? Was the movement of your tour group in sync with the progression of historical information?
- Rapport and Enthusiasm - Did you make an effort to include and engage your tourists in the tour material? Were your transitions between stops silent and awkward or filled by extra information and question answering? Could your tourists see the twinkle in your eye when you established eye contact? Could only you have given this tour?
Be on time and wear tour attire. Relax. Have Fun. Show your creativity. We want to see you do well!
How long should I make my trial tour?
We ask that you limit your tour to 15 minutes. Your "tourists" may cut you off if you run over, but this will not count against you.
Help from others
In order to maintain fairness, we ask that you DO NOT solicit your friends in the Guide Service for help. That is what the probie chair is
here for. Feel free to call or e-mail me...their number is all over these sheets. If you leave a message, they'll get back to you as soon as possible,
and e-mails will be responded to quickly.
Cancellations
If you need to cancel your tour for any reason, PLEASE, PLEASE CALL THE GUIDE OFFICE at 924-3239. Even if it is short notice, call so that there
are not two guides waiting for you. The probie chair will do thier best to help you reschedule your trial tour in the event that you cannot make your
original time.
The second phase of the try out process for the Guide Service is an interview.
The 60 people who make it to interviews must attend a meeting in the Dome Room of the Rotunda the day after the list of 60 is posted. At that meeting, the probie chair will explain the structure of interviews and how to prepare for them. Interview sign-ups will take place in the Dome Room as well.
Thank you so much for your interest! If you have any questions, feel free to call the Guide office (434-924-3239).