Formal Relationship
The outline did not specify what exactly a formal relationship with the student is? The catalog is the first stage but I was confused by this term as it was not discuss previous to the quiz. Can you elaborate?
Jennifer,
There are many management models that say that the relationships beyond the scope of the institution help to develop true relationships in a working environment. Other schools of thought state that no one should know any more about you than what you demonstrate at the workplace.
Patty Aronoff
Camille,
There's a fine line in perception. When you always keep it professional then there's no question. Sometimes the most innocent statements are taken the wrong way when we become too friendly.
Patty Aronoff
Alisaundra,
Great advice! You can't go wrong when you keep it professional. We need to be friendly as you say but professional always.
Patty Aronoff
I totally agree with you! If we are too friendly, we can loose their trust and respect as well.
At our institution, faculty to student non-professional relationships are a definite no-no. However, with staff, it's more lenient. I've seen the repercussions of formalizing relationships outside of work and it affects a lot of people, student, staff and department. It's also hard when acting as an authority figure; if you are friendly with a student, they will not take you seriously when it comes time to "crack the whip", so to speak. It comes down to good judgement and character- even if it's not strictly written in an employee manual, college employees should be keen on keeping their relationship with students on a professional basis only.
A formaal relationship should always be the case during an interview and working with student during enrollment process. Professionalism is important so that all information that is being explained is understood in a clear and concise manner.
The relationship between the admissions associate and the student should be friendly but always professional. It should always remain formal so that the relationship stays professional at all times. We are there to help students discover their future professional paths. They look to us as professionals to help them in that discovery. Not all future students know exactly what path they want to take. If we are too friendly and loose the professionalim then it can be misleading to them.
Marissa,
Absolutely! Keeping it at a professional level at all times should be the only relationship.
Patty Aronoff
One of the things that came to mind when you mentioned "formal relationship" is that admissions representatives and current students at my institution are prohibited from fraternizing outside of work. This helps maintain that formal relationship.
Alisha,
The relationship you have with the student is one of formal nature. You are conducting business, executing a contract between the student and the school.
Patty Aronoff
