Shepherd University welcomes group visits and is proud to host school and community organizations interested in exploring campus. Group visits are designed for 10 or more visitors and offer students an engaging introduction to life at Shepherd. Before submitting a request or contacting our staff, please review all information on this page carefully to ensure a smooth planning process and an exceptional experience for your group.
Scheduling Your Visit
We request a minimum of 14 business days advance notice to allow sufficient time for planning.
Please note that submitting a registration request does not guarantee or confirm your group’s visit. A member of the admissions staff will contact you to confirm availability and begin the formal planning process.
Types of Group Visits
Shepherd offers two structured group visit formats, tailored to the age and readiness of your students:
- Elementary and Middle School Groups (Grades K-7): Young learners who are just beginning their career exploration journey will enjoy a relaxed, interactive visit experience. This includes a guided, age-appropriate scavenger hunt designed to help students explore campus and discover key locations in a fun and engaging way.
- High School Groups (Grades 9-12): High school groups receive a full, guided campus tour that provides a deeper overview of Shepherd, the admissions process, academics, student life, and more.
Group Visit Activities and Presentations
You may choose one of the following options to complement your campus tour or scavenger hunt.
- Admissions Presentation: Ideal for grades 9-12; a 30-minute overview of Shepherd University covering academic programs, student support resources, housing and dining, campus life, tuition, and the application process.
- Shepherd Games: Ideal for grades K-8; a 15-minute session of fun, interactive games that teach students about Shepherd in an energetic, age-appropriate format.
- No Presentation or Activity: Your group may opt to begin the tour or scavenger hunt immediately upon arrival.
Additional Activities
If your schedule allows, your group may also enjoy:
- Bookstore Visit: Located in the Student Center, the Shepherd University Bookstore offers apparel, gifts, and school spirit merchandise. Students may shop and purchase items at their own cost.
- Games Zone: The Student Center’s Games Zone features bowling lanes, billiards, foosball, and more. To inquire about pricing or make a reservation, contact 304-876-5497.
- The Office of Admissions is not responsible for coordinating Games Zone reservations.
- Explore Historic Shepherdstown: Shepherdstown offers an array of charming shops, cafés, and local attractions. Groups are welcome to explore German Street at their leisure before or after their visit.
Dining Options
Shepherd provides several options for group meals depending on the time of year and your group’s needs.
Dining Hall (Ram’s Den)
Groups may enjoy lunch at Ram’s Den, Shepherd’s all-you-care-to-eat dining hall. This option is available during the academic year (September through early December and January through April).
Pricing:
- Group-paid option: $10 per person when the group pays together by check or credit card.
- Individual payment option: $10.70 per person when guests pay individually. Individual payments must be made at the Dining Hall, which accepts cash and credit cards.
Groups may choose to pay collectively, or students may pay on their own.
Packed Lunch Option
Students are also welcome to bring packed lunches. A dedicated room will be reserved for your group for the duration of the visit, providing a secure space to store personal items, lunch bags, and group materials.
What to Expect During Your Visit
- A typical campus tour lasts approximately 90 minutes, not including your selected presentation, activity, or lunch. If your group plans to eat on campus or participate in additional activities, please allow three hours total from arrival to departure.
- Shepherd University is a small, walkable campus, and all tours are walking tours. Please encourage students and chaperones to wear comfortable clothing and sensible walking shoes. Tours proceed rain or shine, except during severe weather or when the University is closed.
- If the University closes due to inclement weather, the Office of Admissions will contact you to reschedule your group’s visit.
- You will receive a dedicated admissions representative as your point of contact for planning and for on-site support the day of your visit. A complete itinerary will also be provided in advance.
Code of Conduct
Shepherd University upholds a student code of conduct to ensure a safe, respectful, and orderly campus environment. All campus visitors are expected to uphold these same standards during their time on campus.
Visitors are expected to:
- Show respect for presenters, staff, and students.
- Keep voices low in academic and residential buildings.
- Walk (not run) while moving through campus.
- Remain with their assigned group at all times.
- Respect campus property and facilities.
- Follow all instructions provided by Shepherd staff and chaperones.
- Refrain from disruptive, unsafe, or disrespectful behavior.
If any member of a visiting group violates the code of conduct, Shepherd reserves the right to end the visit early and may prohibit future visit requests from the organization or school.
Chaperones
To ensure a safe and positive experience, chaperones — whether teachers, staff, or parents — are highly encouraged for all group visits. Chaperones participate fully in all visit activities.
Groups will be divided into smaller sections for tours. We ask that each smaller group include at least one chaperone. Typical small-group sizes range from 10 to 20 students, depending on the total group size.
Parking
Buses may drop off students at either Ikenberry Hall or the Student Center on N. King Street, depending on the itinerary. After drop off, buses should park in H-Lot on West Campus.
We recommend that chaperones exchange mobile numbers with bus drivers to coordinate pickup times at the end of the visit.
Individual vehicles should follow the same procedure: drop off at Ikenberry or the Student Center, then park in H-Lot for the duration of the visit.
Photos and Video
Visitors are welcome to photograph and record video of campus property for personal or educational use. Photos or videos of Shepherd University staff, faculty, or students require their expressed consent prior to capturing.
Questions?
If you have questions or need assistance preparing for your group visit, please contact the Office of Admissions at 304-876-5212 or admission@shepherd.edu. We are here to help you plan a successful and memorable experience at Shepherd University.