Begun in 1984, the VAN (Volunteer Alumni Network) program is a recruiting device in which alumni open their homes for parties to which the top 5 percent of high school juniors and seniors in the area are invited. VAN members are briefed on scholarships, honors programs, financial aid, and admissions policies, and host currently enrolled students and UT staff, who make a presentation to the guests. VAN members are also asked to contact outstanding students and provide information about UT.