How to Tour LeMoyne-Owen College

Choosing the right college is one of the most consequential decisions a student can make. It shapes academic trajectories, social networks, career pathways, and personal growth. For prospective students interested in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, Tennessee, stands out as a distinguished institution with deep roots in academic excellence, community engagement, and cultural heritage. But how do you truly understand whether LeMoyne-Owen College is the right fit? The answer lies in a thoughtful, intentional campus tour.

A campus tour is more than a walk through buildingsits an immersive experience that reveals the rhythm of campus life, the energy of the student body, the quality of academic support, and the spirit of the institution. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap for touring LeMoyne-Owen College, designed to help you gather the insights you need to make an informed decision. Whether youre a high school student, a transfer candidate, or a parent supporting a future student, this tutorial will equip you with the knowledge to maximize your visit.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research LeMoyne-Owen College Before You Arrive

Before setting foot on campus, invest time in understanding the institutions mission, history, and academic offerings. LeMoyne-Owen College was formed in 1968 through the merger of two venerable institutions: LeMoyne College, founded in 1871 by the American Missionary Association, and Owen College, established in 1887 by the Womans Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. This legacy of service, faith, and education continues to define the college today.

Visit the official website at www.lemoyneowen.edu and explore key sections:

• Academic Programs Review majors, minors, and certificate offerings. Pay special attention to programs in Nursing, Business, Biology, Psychology, and Criminal Justice, which are among the most popular.
• Student Life Learn about clubs, organizations, Greek life, and campus events.
• Admissions Requirements Note GPA expectations, standardized test policies, and application deadlines.
• Financial Aid Understand scholarship opportunities, grants, and work-study programs available to students.

Take notes on specific departments or faculty members whose work aligns with your interests. This will allow you to ask informed questions during your tour.

2. Schedule Your Official Campus Tour

LeMoyne-Owen College offers guided campus tours led by current students who serve as admissions ambassadors. These tours are not merely informationalthey are personal stories of student life, challenges, triumphs, and community.

To schedule your tour:

1. Go to the Admissions page on the LeMoyne-Owen website.
2. Click on Schedule a Visit or Campus Tour.
3. Select your preferred date and time. Tours are typically offered Monday through Friday during the academic year.
4. Provide basic contact information and indicate if you are a prospective student, parent, or guest.
5. Confirm your reservation via email. Youll receive a reminder 2448 hours before your visit.

Pro Tip: If youre traveling from out of town, consider scheduling your tour on a day when theres a campus eventsuch as a home football game, choir performance, or guest lecture. These events offer deeper insight into campus culture.

3. Plan Your Travel and Arrival

LeMoyne-Owen College is located at 1700 McLean Boulevard, Memphis, TN 38112. The campus is situated in a residential neighborhood just south of downtown Memphis. If youre flying in, the nearest airport is Memphis International Airport (MEM), approximately 10 miles from campus.

Plan your arrival with enough time to:

• Check in at the Office of Admissions (located in the Administration Building).
• Use restroom facilities.
• Review your tour itinerary.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Memphis has hot, humid summers and mild winters. Bring water, sunscreen, or a light jacket as needed.

4. Participate in the Guided Campus Tour

The guided tour typically lasts 6090 minutes and covers key areas of campus. Your student guide will lead you through the following locations:

Academic Buildings

Visit the Dr. James E. Gant Academic Building, home to classrooms, science labs, and faculty offices. Observe the learning environmenthow students interact, the availability of technology, and the condition of facilities. Ask your guide: Whats the average class size in your major? and How accessible are professors outside of class?

Library and Learning Resources

The Dr. C. A. Johnson Library is a cornerstone of academic support. Look for quiet study areas, computer stations, research databases, and tutoring centers. Ask if the library offers extended hours during finals week and whether interlibrary loan services are available.

Student Center and Dining

The Student Union is the heart of campus life. Here, students gather to eat, study, and socialize. Tour the dining hall and ask about meal plans, dietary accommodations, and food quality. Notice whether there are healthy options, vegan/vegetarian choices, and consistent service hours.

Housing Options

If possible, request a stop at one of the residence hallssuch as McLean Hall or Cooper Hall. Observe room layouts, cleanliness, common areas, and security features. Ask: How are roommates assigned? and Are there quiet hours?

Recreation and Wellness Facilities

Visit the LeMoyne-Owen Athletic Complex and inquire about intramural sports, fitness center access, and mental health services. The college offers counseling through the Student Success Centerask how students access these services and whether they are confidential.

Chapel and Spiritual Life

As a historically Methodist-affiliated institution, LeMoyne-Owen maintains a strong spiritual foundation. The Chapel of the Holy Spirit is open for quiet reflection. Even if youre not religious, observing this space helps you understand the colleges values and community ethos.

5. Engage with Current Students and Faculty

One of the most valuable aspects of your tour is the opportunity to speak with real students. Dont hesitate to ask your guide personal questions:

• Whats something you wish you knew before enrolling?
• How did you choose your major?
• Whats the biggest challenge youve faced here, and how did you overcome it?

If time allows, ask your tour coordinator if you can sit in on a class or meet with a professor in your intended major. Many departments welcome prospective students for brief conversations. This is especially helpful if youre interested in competitive programs like Nursing or Biology.

6. Attend an Information Session

After the campus walk, youll typically attend a 30-minute information session with an admissions counselor. This is your chance to ask detailed questions about:

• Transfer credit policies
• Application fee waivers
• Early decision or priority deadlines
• International student support
• Internship and job placement rates

Take notes. Bring a notebook or use your phone to record answers. These details matter when comparing colleges.

7. Explore the Surrounding Community

LeMoyne-Owen is deeply connected to Memphis. After your tour, take time to walk or drive around the neighborhood. Visit the Clarksdale Street corridor, known for its local restaurants, barber shops, and community centers. Notice the safety, accessibility, and vibrancy of the area.

Consider visiting nearby landmarks:

• Beale Street Historic music district
• Orpheum Theatre Cultural performances
• Memphis Rock n Soul Museum Celebrates the citys musical legacy
• National Civil Rights Museum Located at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated

Understanding the city helps you envision daily life beyond campus. Is public transportation reliable? Are there grocery stores, pharmacies, and libraries nearby? These factors impact student well-being.

8. Reflect and Document Your Experience

Immediately after your tour, find a quiet spotperhaps a caf or your hotel roomand write down your impressions. Answer these questions:

• Did the campus feel welcoming?
• Were students friendly and engaged?
• Did the academic facilities meet your expectations?
• Did you feel supported by the staff and students?
• What surprised youpositively or negatively?

Compare your notes with those from other campuses youve visited. This reflection will help you make an objective decision later.

9. Follow Up with the Admissions Office

Within 48 hours of your visit, send a brief thank-you email to your tour guide and admissions counselor. Mention specific things you learned or appreciated. For example:

Thank you for showing me the nursing simulation lab. The level of technology and the attention to detail impressed me. Im especially interested in Dr. Thompsons research on maternal health disparitiescould you share how undergraduates can get involved in that work?

This small gesture demonstrates genuine interest and keeps you on the admissions teams radar.

10. Apply with Confidence

Use the insights from your tour to strengthen your application. In your personal statement, reference specific aspects of LeMoyne-Owen that resonated with youwhether its the colleges commitment to community service, the mentorship culture, or the legacy of its founders.

If youre applying for scholarships, mention how your goals align with the colleges mission. For example, LeMoyne-Owen values leadership, equity, and academic excellence. Show how you embody those values.

Best Practices

1. Visit During the Academic Year

Avoid touring during summer break, winter holidays, or spring break. Campus life is most authentic when classes are in session. Youll see students in the library, hear discussions in the hallways, and witness the rhythm of daily academic life.

2. Bring a Checklist

Create a simple checklist to ensure you dont miss key areas:

• Classrooms and labs
• Library
• Dining hall
• Residence halls
• Student center
• Health and counseling center
• Chapel or spiritual center
• Athletic facilities
• Security presence
• Accessibility features

Mark each item as you see it. This keeps you focused and ensures you gather comprehensive information.

3. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Instead of asking, Is the campus safe? ask, What does safety look like on campus, and how do students feel about it? Open-ended questions yield richer, more honest answers.

4. Observe Non-Verbal Cues

Pay attention to body language. Are staff members smiling and engaged? Do students look stressed or energized? Do faculty members seem approachable? These subtle signals often reveal more than formal answers.

5. Tour with a Purpose

Are you interested in research? Visit the science labs and ask about undergraduate research opportunities. Are you passionate about the arts? Attend a rehearsal or gallery opening. Tailor your tour to your goals.

6. Bring a Notebook or Voice Recorder

Write down names, quotes, and impressions. Youll forget details within days. A record of your visit will be invaluable when comparing schools.

7. Dont Rely Solely on Online Reviews

While websites like Niche or College Confidential offer perspectives, theyre often biased or outdated. Your firsthand experience is the most reliable source of information.

8. Visit More Than Once

If possible, return for a second visitperhaps during a weekend or special event. Seeing the campus in different contexts (e.g., a Saturday morning vs. a Friday afternoon) gives you a fuller picture.

9. Involve Your Family

Bring a parent or guardian if you can. They may notice things you overlooklike parking availability, nearby medical facilities, or the overall neighborhood vibe. Their input can help you make a well-rounded decision.

10. Trust Your Instincts

At the end of the day, your gut feeling matters. Did you feel excited, curious, and inspired? Or did you feel indifferent, overwhelmed, or disconnected? Your emotional response is dataand its valid.

Tools and Resources

Official Resources

• LeMoyne-Owen College Website www.lemoyneowen.edu The primary source for admissions, academics, and campus life.
• Virtual Tour The college offers an interactive online tour for those unable to visit in person. Access it under Visit Us on the admissions page.
• Academic Catalog Download the current catalog to review course requirements and degree plans.
• Student Handbook Available online; outlines policies, expectations, and support services.

Third-Party Tools

• College Navigator (NCES) A free U.S. Department of Education tool that provides data on graduation rates, student-to-faculty ratios, and financial aid averages for LeMoyne-Owen.
• BigFuture by College Board Offers personalized college matching and detailed profiles of LeMoyne-Owen.
• YouTube Search LeMoyne-Owen College campus tour for student-made videos. Look for recent uploads (within the last year) for accuracy.
• Instagram and TikTok Follow @lemoyneowencollege for real-time glimpses of campus events, student life, and campus aesthetics.

Mobile Apps

• Google Maps Use satellite view to explore campus layout and nearby amenities. Enable Street View to walk the perimeter.
• Waze or Apple Maps Plan your driving route from your home or airport to campus.
• Notion or Google Keep Create a digital notebook to organize your tour notes, questions, and comparisons.

Print Resources

• Viewbook Request a printed copy of the colleges viewbook from admissions. It includes photos, student testimonials, and program highlights.
• Brochures Pick up department-specific brochures (e.g., Nursing, Business) during your visit.

Connect with Alumni

Reach out to LeMoyne-Owen alumni through LinkedIn. Search for graduates in your field of interest. Send a polite message: Im considering attending LeMoyne-Owen and would appreciate any insights you can share about your experience. Many alumni are eager to help.

Real Examples

Example 1: Jasmine, First-Generation Student from Birmingham, AL

Jasmine was the first in her family to apply to college. She visited LeMoyne-Owen on a rainy Tuesday in October. Her tour guide, a junior majoring in Psychology, took her to the Counseling Center and shared how she struggled with anxiety during her first semester but found support through peer mentoring.

Jasmine asked to sit in on a Psychology 101 class. The professor paused to welcome her and invited her to join the discussion. After the tour, she met with the financial aid officer, who helped her understand the HOPE Scholarship and Pell Grant eligibility.

I didnt feel like a number, Jasmine said. I felt seen. Thats why I applied. She was accepted and is now a sophomore, planning to become a clinical psychologist.

Example 2: Marcus, Transfer Student from Community College

Marcus transferred from a large state university where he felt lost in crowds. He chose LeMoyne-Owen because of its smaller class sizes and focus on mentorship. During his tour, he met Dr. Lillian Reed, a Biology professor who invited him to assist with a summer research project on diabetes in African American communities.

He toured the science labs and noticed the equipment was modern and well-maintained. He asked about internship partnerships with local hospitals. The admissions counselor connected him with the Career Services office, which helped him secure a clinical shadowing opportunity at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare.

Marcus transferred in the fall and is now a research assistant. LeMoyne-Owen didnt just admit me, he says. It invested in me.

Example 3: The Rodriguez Family

The Rodriguez family traveled from Houston to tour LeMoyne-Owen. Their daughter, Sofia, was considering several HBCUs. During the tour, her mother asked about the colleges food servicewas it affordable? Were there halal options? The dining director personally answered, explaining that the cafeteria offered Kosher and halal meals upon request.

Her father asked about campus security. The tour guide showed them the blue light emergency phones and explained the campus police partnership with Memphis Police Department.

We didnt expect that level of transparency, said Mr. Rodriguez. It made us feel confident. Sofia enrolled and is now studying Social Work.

FAQs

How long does a LeMoyne-Owen College campus tour typically last?

Most guided campus tours last between 60 and 90 minutes, followed by a 30-minute admissions information session. Total time on campus is usually 2 hours.

Do I need to register in advance for a campus tour?

Yes. While walk-ins are sometimes accommodated, advanced registration ensures you receive a personalized experience and that staff are prepared for your visit.

Can I tour the campus without a guided tour?

You may walk around campus independently, but you wont have access to residence halls, academic buildings, or the library without a scheduled tour. Guided tours also provide context and insight you wont get on your own.

Is there a fee to tour LeMoyne-Owen College?

No. Campus tours and information sessions are free for all prospective students and guests.

What should I wear on my tour?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Memphis can be hot and humid in summer and chilly in winter. Dress in layers and bring an umbrella if rain is forecasted.

Can I meet with a professor during my visit?

Possibly. Contact the admissions office in advance to request a meeting with a faculty member in your intended major. Professors are often willing to speak with serious prospects.

Are campus tours available during holidays or summer?

Yes, but options are limited. Tours are most robust during the academic year (AugustMay). Summer tours may be shorter and less frequent.

What if I have a disability and need accommodations?

LeMoyne-Owen College is committed to accessibility. Contact the Office of Admissions ahead of your visit to arrange for wheelchair-accessible routes, sign language interpreters, or other accommodations.

Can international students tour the campus?

Yes. International students are welcome to schedule tours. The admissions team can also provide information on visas, English proficiency requirements, and global student support.

How do I know if LeMoyne-Owen is the right college for me?

Ask yourself: Do I feel respected? Do I see myself thriving here? Do the academic programs align with my goals? Do the values of the college match mine? If the answer is yes to most of these, its likely a strong fit.

Conclusion

Touring LeMoyne-Owen College is not a checklistits a conversation. Its about listening to stories, observing culture, and connecting with people who embody the institutions mission. This college doesnt just educate students; it cultivates leaders, advocates, and changemakers rooted in service and excellence.

By following the steps outlined in this guidefrom pre-tour research to post-visit reflectionyou transform a simple campus visit into a powerful decision-making tool. You move beyond brochures and rankings to experience the heartbeat of the college: the students, the faculty, the community, and the legacy.

LeMoyne-Owen College is more than a building on a street in Memphis. Its a living tradition of resilience, intellect, and purpose. When you tour with intention, you dont just see the campusyou begin to see yourself within it.

Take the first step. Schedule your tour. Ask the hard questions. Listen deeply. And let the truth of the experience guide younot just to enrollment, but to your future.