Paperless
Do you think more institutions should adopt paperless enrollment verifications after initial paperwork?
Roberto,
Changing a culture to paperless will take work. Developing that sense of trust will release that tight grip on paper.
Patty Aronoff
Paper Less! Less Paper!
I believe one of the main reasons for a future paperless society is also the fact that paper lends itself to falsification (fraud).
In a secure environment, a paperless process of admissions would practically annihilate the opportunity for temptation to take over. Signatures, dates, statements of fact, and certain types of documentation are now transferred electronically directly from entity to entity thereby adding to its legitimacy.
The less people handle a document the better.
Yes, having been in sales for many years, I would have to agree that the actual process of signing a document makes for an air of a solemn oath. But now days, multibillion dollar deals are made around the world by huge corporations in a paperless fashion.
So yes, we admissions representatives may feel better and maybe even our egos grow a bit when we see the fruits of our labor in action as we witness the student signing away but the bottom line is that if we did not do a good admissions job the student will fall of our start no matter how many documents he/she signed.
I love your idea "Catalog on CD". PDF or MS file via email or website also fast and easy to access. My student will enjoy it.
Thanks for the tips.
I agree with you Krista. I think the students enjoy taking home a CD with all documents for their records, but paper seems to finalize everything! Both is good :)
Irashe,
Many people feel the same way.
Marnelle,
You can always print out a copy for those who desire a paper in their hand.
I do think it's a good idea to have paperless enrollment verifications after initial paperwork, however, some people would prefer having the actual document on hand.
I do also like the idea of actual paper documents that the students sign. I think it gives the whole process a more legit feeling.
Sandra,
Many people would agree with you!
I believe that having most of the documents scanned is a good idea. This prevents papers and documents from being misplaced, filed in the wrong place, etc.... however a document like an enrollment agreement I believe should continue being "on paper"...........
Raymond,
Paperless has so many advantages. The accessibility of data and ease of retrieval make it all worthwhile.
Erick,
I agree. It is the beginning of a new generation. Before you know it,everything will be paperless. We will look back and wonder what we did with all that paper.
I agree completely with the option of having a paperless database for the simple fact that it makes life easier. Granted there are students that do not have computers, there are still numerous facilities where they can easily utilize them to complete or submit documentation. A previous institution where I was employed did everything electronically, down to the faxes they received being sent via email. Students were able to e-sign documents through a verification process and if that system did crash, they simply print the paperwork off and faxed them into us. Great system, less stress about filing.
Precisely Elaine. I believe that there is a place for both paper and paperless. Just the same as there are different graphs to represent information when conducting statistical analysis, and each graph has its benefit and purpose.
Each process in our institutions should have in place which ever method best fits.
My thoughts on Paperless are that is the best way to save the environment and eliminate missing documents:
DRS is the best way to eliminate paperwork and more importantly go green. Documents are download in an image writer where it can be viewed by each department. There are restricted access to departments such are Financial Aid and Bursar.
It worked for major University and most online line Division. That is the best way that I know.
Robin,
Many people are just not comfortable with everything done online.
I agree with this. I feel that signing a paper enrollment agreement makes the enrollment process feel much more official than if the student filled out an enrollment agreement online.
Isabel,
Many schools transition to computer file storage. Some start with graduate files and others keep an electronic copy from the start. Nonetheless, the school is to keep a file of the student forever. If the school closes, the records are to be turned over to the Commission as they are the official custodian of records.
Kevin,
Many people agree with your ideas. However, there are still some people very uncomfortable with computers and would need assistance.
