Facebook
Since the Fortis "Columbus" Reps dont have computer's. I've found it helpful to facebook my prospective students....with the changing times it's the "in" thing do & you wouldnt believe the response's rather than leaving mesg after mesg.!!! I spend a least one hr every morning before work online contacting and setting up apts :) Great tool...plus it makes them feel more connected to that rep...with pics & all.
I would agree that using social media would be an effective tool. I believe that you must try everything until you find what works best for that student
I have known representatives use texting as a way to contact and after thinking about it, what if while you were texting the person was in a horrible car accident while they answered your text. Would there be enough evidence to have the school in a liability.... I am not a lawyer but i think I could win the case for my client.
I can see how it may help get the prospective student's attention, but we have rules that don't permit outside relationships with the client. You never know who you are talking to. Also, people are always talking about viruses and hackers using facebook. There are definitely more cons than pros from where I stand.
At our school we are not allowed to contact students in this manner. While this method has obvious benefits, it is very difficult to regulate the interaction, which in my guess is why it is prohibited.
Since I began working in admissions I have often thought about the possibility of using FB as a tool for communication to prospective students. My school currently does not have a FB page and I would not take it upon myself to do something on my own. I do have mixed feelings about communicating using this type of medium. I would have to assume that it would be tough to maintain that fine line between personal and professional aspects on FB. I look forward to reading about the experiences others have had and the pro’s and con’s associated with the use of FB.
At our school, we are not to give students our personal cell phone numbers, nor would I give a student access to my personal information via Facebook. If the school has a Facebook page it may be more appropriate for any communication with a student, via this medium, be done in some sort of controlled manner in which personal information is not divulged.
I don't think that Facebook should be something that is used as a tool. If a student wants to post good things about your school there great, but it is not the place for a proffessional relationalship which I think is something you need to maintain with your students.
I think if the school itself maintains a general business Facebook and doesn't rely on individuals and private accounts it can be a good thing. I wouldn't want to have my personal account available for things that are strictly business. I think Facebook should be used to promote school events and draw public interest. It shouldn't be a go between for recruitment.
I agree with this my face book is personal and I would prefer to keep it that way. The school I am at agrees with that. We do not use at all.
If you are planning on using facebook as a tool to contact your stidents I would say that is mandatory that you create a business profile, instead of your own personal profile. It is imperative for us to remain professional.
I would not use facebook as a source to communicate with my students. It's not professional and it could involve to topics that could not be monitored through the school.
Our Admissions Representatives do not use Facebook to contact students.
I agree. FB is very very informal. Putting myself in the students shoes I think that getting a message on FB from a school that I requested information about their programs would completely turn me off of the school. Becoming their friend on FB seems way to personal.
Our school is giving consideration to Facebook. I'm interested in hearing/reading about both the positive and the negative. Please post some examples...thanks in advance.
I totally agree! This is just not the place to establish a repore with a student when it comes to academics.
I think email is more appropriate for an institution to communicate with potential or established students. There are a lot of issues that come up with facebook in the workplace so I feel that the bar should be set high when coming into an academic setting. Sometimes students are far too relaxed concerning facebook comments that can cost them their job later.
I agree to not use facebook for anything more than to scheudle an interview. After enrollment following up with students through FB is ok also sometimes.
I agree Theresa, and most schools have a fraternizaton policy that doesn't allow reps and students to have relationships outside of work. It may be "in" but it can get pretty sticky.
I believe that it is best to not cross that line between your work life and personal. That being said, I never text a student or give my personal cell phone information out or even accept friend requests from students. Although Facebook is probably the most popular social networking site, you cannot control what others posts and/or maintain privacy. I agree that it may be convenient, but I think it is too risky.
