Showcase Your Program at Northland EXPO
Help Students Start Their College Era
Northland EXPO is one of Northland’s premier recruitment and outreach events, bringing high school students to campus to explore career pathways, experience college life, and discover how their interests can lead to meaningful careers.
Throughout the day, students participate in faculty‑led breakout sessions designed to introduce them to Northland programs through engaging and memorable experiences.
New this year: EXPO breakout sessions will be 40 minutes in length, reduced from 50 minutes based on faculty feedback.
Our Goal
Every EXPO session should help students:
- Explore careers connected to your field
- Experience Northland’s learning environment
- Interact with faculty and program experts
- Understand educational pathways and opportunities
- Leave with a stronger understanding of what your program offers
Session Format Options
Faculty are encouraged to select the session format that best fits their program, facilities, equipment, instructional style, and desired level of student engagement.
Students Learn by Doing
Interactive workshops provide students with a hands-on experience directly connected to your program or career field. Faculty guide students through an activity while providing instruction, support, and insight into the skills used in the profession.
Examples
- Building a simple electrical circuit
- Welding practice activities
- CAD or design exercises
- Criminal Justice scenario activities
- Healthcare skills simulations
- Construction or manufacturing projects
Why Choose This Format?
- Highest level of student engagement
- Creates an authentic college experience
- Allows students to experience skills firsthand
- Encourages active participation and exploration
- Often leaves the strongest impression on prospective students
Best For: Programs that can safely provide hands-on learning opportunities.
Students Learn by Observing
Demonstration sessions allow students to watch faculty perform a skill, process, or procedure while discussing what they are seeing and asking questions throughout the presentation.
Examples
- Wiring an electrical panel
- Repairing or programming a drone
- Operating manufacturing equipment
- Conducting a science experiment
- Performing diagnostic procedures
- Showcasing specialized technology or tools
Why Choose This Format?
- Highlights equipment and facilities
- Provides exposure to industry-specific skills
- Encourages questions and discussion
- Requires less direct student participation
- Works well when safety, space, or equipment constraints exist
Best For: Programs where observation is the most practical or effective learning approach.
Students Learn Through Presentation & Discussion
Information sessions focus on introducing students to a program, career field, and educational pathway through presentation, discussion, and Q&A.
Examples
- Program overviews
- Career exploration discussions
- Industry outlook presentations
- Alumni success stories
- Transfer and employment pathways
- Student experience discussions
Why Choose This Format?
- Clearly communicates program information
- Highlights career opportunities and outcomes
- Allows for meaningful discussion and questions
- Requires minimal setup and resources
Best For: Programs seeking to focus on awareness, career pathways, and student questions.
What’s New This Year
40-Minute Session Pilot
Based on faculty feedback, Northland EXPO will pilot a 40‑minute breakout session format, replacing the previous 50‑minute sessions.
The shorter format is intended to:
- Better align with student attention and engagement
- Create a more energetic event experience
- Allow faculty to focus on high-impact learning moments
- Reduce preparation and staffing demands
- Improve overall event flow and scheduling
Feedback from faculty, staff, and participating students will be gathered after the event to help determine future session lengths.
EXPO Schedule
To support your planning, here’s the full EXPO schedule. These times reflect the new 40‑minute breakout format and are designed to keep the day moving smoothly for both faculty and students.
Daily Itinerary
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00–9:30 AM | Check‑In & Registration |
| 9:30–9:40 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks |
| 9:40–10:20 AM | Session 1 |
| 10:20–10:25 AM | Transition |
| 10:25–11:05 AM | Session 2 |
| 11:05–11:10 AM | Transition |
| 11:10–11:50 AM | Session 3 |
| 11:50 AM–12:30 PM | Lunch & Career Exploration Booths |
| 12:30–1:10 PM | Session 4 |
| 1:10–1:15 PM | Transition |
| 1:15–1:55 PM | Session 5 |
| 1:55–2:00 PM | Photos, Group Meet‑Up & Departure |
Recommended Session Formats
All formats are welcome and valued. To provide the most engaging experience, we encourage faculty to consider:
- Interactive Workshop
Most engaging and preferred experience - Demonstration Session
Strong alternative when hands-on participation is not feasible - Information Session
Effective for program awareness and career exploration
Thank You for Participating
The success of Northland EXPO depends on the expertise, enthusiasm, and commitment of our faculty and staff.
Whether students are building, observing, or learning through discussion, your session may be the moment they discover a career path, identify a future goal, or decide that Northland is the right place to begin their journey.
Thank you for helping students Start Their College Era at Northland.
Ready to Lead a Session?
Help high school students explore careers, experience Northland programs, and discover what’s possible after graduation.