Small School Growing Larger
As a new employee in an established small school now on an active growth path, I am wondering if there is an accepted progression of competency for the school's admissions process. We currently have a catalog and an official enrollment form, which seem like the minimum basic requirements. In what order should we add functions such as: job placement, graduate career tracking, financial aid coaching, and something else I don't yet know about?
Jean,
When you are a small school you can provide the personal touch. Students want to feel that they are more than just a number and that the's staff and faculty care about them and their education.
Patty Aronoff
I strongly agree with small schools are great. The school I work for is small. One of my marketing strategies when talking with prospects is that we as an institution offer more personalize teaching. Meaning that tutoring I available even during class.
Gunay,
Agreed! The Commission requires that all schools follow the same rules and regulations. When we take the time to explain the enrollment details and the items in the catalog, we find that students are well informed. Well informed students should not encounter surprises when we have done our job.
Patty Aronoff
I believe that it does not matter if a school is large or small - the student should always be informed of all costs and the exact requirements. There are so many issues about students not understanding and then they blame the school. It may take longer be a line by line discussion should take place to avoid lack of knowledge.
Minelba,
In a smaller school setting, there is the opportunity for more individualized teaching and hands-on experience. Small schools are great!
Patty Aronoff
Absolutely, as a small school it is very important that everything is prepared correctly and all information to given to the student. Many prospective students are nervous about attending small schools. Some of them do not realize that teaching standards are the same across the board. However this is an issue that will continue. As with everything else name recognition is important and students tend to gravitate to the well known schools. So the students that come to the less known schools deserve the best.
David,
This is an area where the commission staff can be very helpful. As all schools must be compliant with the catalog information, the program specialist at CIE is there to assist you.
Patty Aronoff
ANN,
As a new school in your area, I would suggest that you get together with community leaders. Host a ribbon cutting event with the local Chamber of Commerce. Invite community participants to an open house.
Patty Aronoff
Mac,
A smaller school does not have the funds available to make any mistakes when it comes to marketing. Marketing costs are huge in any school. As a small school you want to make sure that you are getting the most value from your marketing strategy.
Patty Aronoff
As a small private family owned school as well how we market is vitally important; I think equally important is compliant forms and catalogs that in no uncertain terms informs the students with the correct expectations.
I am a new school awaiting licensure from CIE. What have you found to be the most important marketing strategies to get started?
Patty,
Growth is important, especially if you are a private school (like we are) that is owned by a family or small corporation. How we market our school is ten times more important that our forms and catalogs...even though we understand how important that is.
Wayne,
I would recommend that you start with the forms that are required in the admissions process starting with your application or intake form and follow it step-by-step all the way through. Make sure that you hit the important parts of the catalog as you go through the catalog with your prospective student.
Patty Aronoff
