Dr. Susan Schulz

Michelle, Yes, all true. Now think of the other skills the person needs to have to fit into your organization and be innovative and productive. Do they need sales skills, able to feel comfortable on the phone? Be compassionate and understanding? Do they need to understand the workings of your entire school and know how to solve problems? There are a lot of skills for a new hire to work effectively. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Laurie, Yes, happy Alumni refer their friends and family and co workers. Alumni have proven to be most credible by high school guidance counselors and parents. Alumni are viewed as peers and thus believable. Alumni also increase retention and placement. See MaxKnowledge course with all the details. Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Sandra, This is great. You have provided a great format for any school owner to create a job description. You might want to include what the person needs to bring to fit into the organization and make a difference. What about creativity, how do they handle problems, what have they accomplished, where do they see themselves in 5 years in relation to your school, and more. What are the people skills do you require to get things to happen and meet student needs. Lots to think about. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Sandra, Sounds interesting. Please let us know the policies and procedures you set up, who the service is for, and other details like impact on placement, employer relationships, enrollment, and more. We think governing and advisory boards are one of the keys to success. Of course many regulatory agencies require them. But, it is really how you structure and use them that matters. It also depends on who you invite to sit on your boards. Members have to commit to be involved. They also need to have great ideas, care, and be a draw. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Laurie, Great to hear. You will be among the first to benefit from alumni relationships. Sounds like you are doing everything right. By taking the alumni course you can head off problems and have solutions for challenges that come up. Please keep us updated on your progress. Keep in mind that a student is more likely to go to a school with an alumni community when compared to a similar school that offers the same programs. Great job, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Laurie, Glad to hear how much you use Alumni throughout every department in your school. Alumni are passionate and students relate to them. Alumni can fill in and assist staff in so many ways. The result is you get professional assistance without increasing your payroll. Keep in mind all the people Alumni can introduce you to - employers, organizations, potential clinic and externship sites, speakers, curriculum experts, and much more. The Friends and Family events sound brilliant. You are doing a great job. Reminder to measure, measure, measure. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Laurie, Good point - email or newsletter? We can argue for both. It is easier and cheaper to use email. Perhaps send paper newsletters 2 - 3 times a year! Great that you have a dedicated person to handle social media. When done right, it takes constant focus. You might want to consider Utube and linked in as well. And don't forget texting. So many people use their phones for computer you need to be sure your website looks good on a small phone screen. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Laurie, It is interesting what strategies work to get and retain attention. We agree that email blasts can be effective. The goal is not to over email. In addition the message has to be short, to the point, and very easy to understand. Flyers can sometimes work. Sometimes placing them on cars can be a problem. It would be great if they can be hung or left in popular buildings, community centers, houses or worship, etc. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

nicolas, That's an interesting approach. Volunteering can be run as formally as externships. The goal is for the student to have meaningful work and be evaluated. Upon completion the volunteer experience should enhance the grad's resume. Thanks. Susan Dr. Susan Schulz