We have compiled our Academy Admissions Policies and Standards and included our Student Catalog, handbook, Policies and Standards as well as a copy of an Enrollment Agreement. Having this resource on hand is very effective in presenting the Overall Mission of our Academy with Parents and Prospective Students.
We re-visit this Notebook on a routine basis so that all staff, new and continual are always up to Par on the policies and procedures regarding rules and regualations of our Licensing, Accrediting, and other governind bodies.
Amid,
Sounds like a good strategy but make sure you use the same term that is in the catalog and explain it thoroughly. I have the prospective student explain it back to me so that I am sure we are both talking about the same thing.
Tony,
I believe your remarks transcend other schools. Students often want a black and white answer and often confuse the terminology. Ultimately, your approach is getting them to the right information but most importantly, as you stated, to keep listening.
Coralee,
Never underestimate the power of resources. I would add the catalog and any material that you share with prospective student.
Well for one, we try to use alternate terminology when discussing things so that it is clearer to the student. For example, instead of using the word cost, use tuition or investment. Simple things like that make a difference in the mind and perception of a student and could be a factor in the way they compare us to another school.
I guess our students are even less understanding than students at other schools. About 1 out of every 10 calls asks if our scholl is accredited, and while I know the answer and know how to explain it properly, they lose attention immediately if I start with the word "no". I am never able to get to the differences between regional and national. Almost every time the "accreditation question" is asked, the caller means "can I get my license and work if I take your class?" which is not the same thing at all.
I have put the rules in my course notebook along with copies of all of the preceeding pages presented in the course for reference. A someone who has been at my institution for quite some time, I find that it would be elementary for me to add a catalog, admissions paperwork, etc.
I've discovered that we are required to have formal coursework.
Cynthia,
The notebook is your own making. Having it work for your office is key. And yes, it does get bulky!
Miriam,
Exellent! The frequently asked questions is a good tool and I hope that these are shared with other admissions reps.
Antonio,
Your enthusiasm and expertise shine. To teach and enroll is an helpful combination to prospective students.
April,
Also, accreditation is a voluntary and expensive exercise.
April,
I believe you bring an interesting point to the table. Do the students think differently due to our title with the school?
Thank you for this training; I am learning a lot even in the little links like the emoticons in "How to write text."
We are building the Resource Notebook in our two-man office. I am the rep's secretary. Should I have a separate notebook? Also, I can see this notebook getting very bulky if you put everything in it. Since my catalog is always available in my desk and the advertising slicks are right behind me, is it necessary to have them in the notebook also?
Tina,
The other term that prospective students often misunderstand is licensure and accreditation. They do not understand the difference.
Tina,
Those not dealing with these terms every day often confuse them with other terms. It is important to all be speaking about the same thing.
Betsy,
It is important that the student ave time to read the catalog prior to enrollment. Since the catalog and the enrollment agreement constitute a contract, this gives the student ample opportunity.
I agree with you 100 % .I appreciate your words, because there are thru.
In my school more than 70 % of students come from the opinion from other students (graduates or active)and this is a very good signal.
Infomation is power only if this information have been updated and this information is to use for all persons who works in a school, to do the right job.
This training program help me a lot
thanks, again for your great coment
It is esential to keep a notebook with the most important aspects to be delivered during an Admissions interview. That way it keeps the representative up to date on the most common questions asked by prospective students.
I have worked for almost 16 years as an instructor and I started to help SABER School working in the admission department,and I really appreciate all what I am learning with this Training program,and I love what I am learning.I think that being updated is the most important thing to every single person who works in a school where there is a process of getting to know each other,have good relationships to work as a team, Knowledge is the main goal for those who work with students, do the right things according to general rules stated by the government, the institution, students' interests and love what you do will be an "A" plus for the institution and students' retention and in Marketing the "word of mouth" is sometimes more effective than advertising.Giving your heart, love, a smile and showing passion at this level, you put your institution on "5" star school.
This is true. But many believe that regional accreditation is more reputable than national accreditation. Some fail to understand that there are tougher standards and threshholds to meet when nationally accredited, i.e. default rates/ graduation rates/ placement rates.
