From campus tours to a new student’s first semester finding their way around, great functional signage contributes to the college’s bottom line.
It may not do so as directly as a strong orientation, or a school’s reputation for being a leading place to learn specific disciplines (like medicine or business).
But consider these things that end up being a detractor if not executed well:
- If parents and a prospective student show up for a campus tour and have trouble finding their way around, there’s already friction. What if they park in the wrong area and end up late for orientation?
- If it’s a large campus with different areas separated by main streets, it’s easy to enter entirely the wrong section of campus and end up lost for a while.
Here are some real life examples of a campus enriching their experience with good signage, where the benefits become tangible.
3D Wayfinding at Davidson-Davie College in Thomasville, NC
This is a great example of a growing campus that has adapted to ensure a good experience even as the facilities came to span 97 acres. With over 50 curriculum programs offered, Davidson-Davie College’s staff knew they needed some better ways to guide students of all walks of life.
Part of this solution included 3D wayfinding signs, augmented by digital displays throughout the campus. These displays showed maps of whatever building students were in (or nearby), as well as updates about events, news, emergency alerts, and more.
Students reported how much easier this made getting around, and the staff received immediate compliments during tours.
Internally, both the IT department and media departments noted that it took only 15 minutes to train team members to use the system and make meaningful updates (that instantly went to all 19 digital kiosks). That’s a big payoff.
The multimedia director specifically noted, “the kiosks were not only functional, but also visually appealing, greatly enhancing the visitor experience.” This included when potential investors show up on campus. Functional navigational signage removes friction for them, too, but they are also impressed by the modern kiosks as a signal of the school’s growth.
Comprehensive Wayfinding Systems Spur Massively Positive Feedback in Leading Colleges in NC.
Some of the larger schools, including UNC Chapel Hill, doubled down on having the best navigational signage in the business.
James Madison University, which enjoys a lot of international studies from different parts of the world, found particular value in multilingual signage. Larger campuses like this one can feel like a maze to new students — especially students from elsewhere.
Clear, multilingual signage with intuitive symbols fosters trust, reduces stress, and contributes to a sense of inclusion that can influence everything from first impressions during campus tours to long-term student satisfaction.
More than simply helping students and visitors find buildings, this kind of thoughtful signage design is about creating an environment that welcomes them. When international students, first-generation college attendees, or anyone unfamiliar with the area can navigate a campus with confidence, it sends a subtle welcoming message. That runs in contrast with the low-key static of missing the mark here.
When touring students opt for another campus, or transfer out after their first year or two, these are things that contribute to that.
More Structure For Sports and Community Events
And of course, it’s worth considering the circumstances where it’s not just faculty and students roaming around. If your school regularly hosts community events, sporting events, or is a training ground (like Saint John Fisher College is for the Buffalo Bills), there are times of the year your navigational setup will be put to the test.
Hundreds of additional vehicles will be in the property, with no guarantee that those visitors have been there before. Everything from the flow of traffic to the flow of people in the stadium (or event center) can shape the experience.
Wayfinding signs, parking directionals, and temporary overlays help prevent bottlenecks, minimize the need for staff to give directions, and reduce the risk of accidents or delays. Even something as simple as a well-placed “Shuttle Pickup” sign or a branded pedestrian route map can make a big difference in guiding a crowd.
For returning guests or annual attendees, a smooth experience becomes part of the draw. Forward-thinking signage is the polish that separates a repeat draw versus a one-time outing.
