Receptionist involment in certification
Hello everyone,
I understand that anyone who has contact with a prospective student needs to be certified in this admissions course. What if their only job is to be a receptionist but because of their accessibility to the waiting area they interact with prospective students. While the prospective student waits to meet with directors or admissions staff they ask the receptionist basic brochure questions. Does the receptionist need to take this certification?
Liu Necuze
Madeline ,
Product knowledge is so important in admissions. We need to be able to speak with credible information on the programs we are offering.
Patty Aronoff
Well, I believe that the more understanding the Receptionist has concerning the programs offered and the function of the Admissions Staff, the better for the institution you work for.
Victoria,
I agree. Receptionists are often the first point of contact and should be well informed.
Patty Aronoff
We ask receptionist to participate in the training courses we do with the admission staff. It's better to be safe and make sure that she knows what are the DOs and DON'Ts when addressing prospective students.
Sarah,
I would agree. Every staff member within the school should be aware of the laws and rules governing the institution as well as the school policies.
Patty Aronoff
sandra,
It really depends upon how each school sets the duties for the receptionist. It will vary from school to school.
Patty Aronoff
i agree with sarah, as long as the receptionist has a basic knowledge of the programs they can answer some questions BUT they should not rely on this, since the admissions reps are technically the ones with more information and training. The main goal of a receptionist should still be to transfer to the admission rep. :)
I think this is an awesome question. I myself function in the administrative office. While I am not dealing directly with enrollment of students, our involvement is becoming more obvious and complex.
As the changes have transpired, we are now getting certified/trained.
We function in a capacity remarkably similar to that of a receptionist, in that we do connect prospective students to admissions representatives for further assistance, but our expansion is now growing to include addressing questions more directly.
I think that any and all staff that have interactions with prospective students should have (at the very least) a basic understanding of materials within this training. If they are trained it is a boon for the company. It also increases credibility if all staff is sufficiently informed.
Liu,
It is in the level of involvement. The more informed our staff are, the better we are in compliance.
Patty Aronoff
Susan,
It is in the best interest of the school to train everyone.
Patty Aronoff
Sandra,
It depends upon the level of involvement. Are the speaking on behalf of admissions and providing information....or are they just transferring a call. I agree that it would be a definite plus for the organization.
Patty Aronoff
I would say yes - as long as they have contact with prospective students either on the phone or in person.
I guess yes because it would be a plus for the institutiona, and also for you.
