The Admissions Professional's Code of Conduct
What areas in the Admissions Professional's Code of Conduct did you identify as your challenges? How do you plan on addressing those challenges?
Honestly, #14 can be viewed as tattling. If the entire staff is trained properly by a seasoned expert on company practices then the amount of misinformation or noncompliant practices should be minimalized. I don't want to have the authority to suggest to management that someone isn't doing their job ethically. I'd rather management have assessments in place to monitor the behaviors of their admissions officers and staff. #12 conveys that we don't use any material that isn't approved by the organization but the module encourages us to recommend other programs at other institutions of learning. Most directors only want you to discuss the university in which you work. No one encourages you to suggest the competition unless they offer a program that you don't carry. During my demonstrations, I address every possible scenario. I know students are informed and they want honest answers. I am as transparent as possible to suit students needs.
Angela, Interesting! It sounds like your attitude played a large role in your success. Is that correct?
Elizabeth Wheeler
To answer the second portion of the question, I will address my challenge of providing honest feedback to new potential students after I learn more about my current company. Additionally, I will ask questions to learn as much as I can until I know my company's product to be able to provide the most honest feedback possible.
I am currently in a new role. My current product knowledge is limited and I am in the training phase at my new job; therefore, I have lots to learn. However, I believe providing honest feedback to potential students will be challenging until I learn all of the "ins and outs" of my current new role.
In my past role, similar to admissions--but with an entirely different type of company, I was very knowledgeable about my company's product and I provided necessary information as honest as I could possibly be. And, I encourage prospective students to conduct their research... meaning I encouraged them to explore our competitors. I was very proud of my company's product and I believed it sold itself. Those who chose to take a different route, well, that was ok with me because I understood that my company's product was not for everyone.
Antonio,
Excellent awareness! It's best to listen to each prospective student without "filters" like assumptions and prejudgments. It sounds like you learned this lesson the hard way and are working hard to overcome your filters. Great job!
Elizabeth Wheeler
The biggest challenges are in the information gathering steps since I have more often than not relied on the assumption of knowing where they are in life. I have done this based on appearances, speech, and over all manner. So I am always humbled by how my assumptions have led to potentially serious mistakes, and/or loss of an enrollment.
Therefore, the questions posed in this course, are genuinely helpful as I plumb the depths of the "iceberg" and learn the real issues and challenges my prospects are facing.
It is so important to me to make sure my prospective student understands the program, the commitment to complete the program successfully and has a true desire to learn. I try to make sure they are aware of the demands, be it time, homework, etc. before they enroll. I have allowed students to "sit in" on classes to get a feel of the curriculum, the instructor, fellow students and the overall environment of my school. I find that this method helps immensely in assisting the prospective student with their decision. A happy student/graduate is our best ambassador.
Marisol,
Absolutely! That's what FA is there for, right? Thank you for posting!
Elizabeth Wheeler
David,
Thanks for posting! It's great self-awareness to recognize the areas in which you have opportunity for improvement. Your plans to improve your product knowledge are spot on!
Elizabeth Wheeler
Iza,
Great awareness! Keeping up on your product knowledge can be challenging in an ever-changing environment, but is so worth it. Thank you for sharing!
Dr. Jean Norris
Being that I am a full time student and I know how Financial Aid works (of course the basics)I tend to want to go more in depth when it comes to our tuition & what could be offered to them. I have recently sat with our Director of Financial Aid and saw how its more to it than I actually thought. Talking numbers; in my opinion makes up a prospects mind at least 80% of the time. Letting FA handle any FA questions is best.
#9--Seeking training to expand your knowledge...
Since I'm relatively new to the function, I plan to reasch out to Admissions management for program materials.
#11--Ignorance is not a legal defense....
Similar to #9, I'll be obtaining materials on laws & appropriate company policies.
One of the areas in the Admissions Code of Conduct that I identify as my challenge is to continue to seek training's and expand my knowledge in order to best serve our students and our organization. I have been caught in the middle when a New Program is launched and I am asked questions that I feel not too sure I know to answer. Although, I believe I am right by telling them that it's a great question and we'll be sure to get the accurate answer for them, it could be frustrating to them when an immediate response is required. I will take more notes and ensure to reach out to our School Director for increased product knowledge as well as to ensure to review them in detail in order to serve our students better and with the most accurate information.
I believe effective communication can always be challenging. It is important that we are certain our prospective students receive the message as intended. Training to expand knowledge can also be challenging with today's time constraints. It is important that we continue to grow and learn in our profession, in order to have the most effective communication possible with prospective students. I hope to offer continued training opportunities with my team in order to promote a better understanding of our industry and the laws that govern this sector. The greater our knowledge, the more effectively we can communicate, assist and serve our customers - the student.
I believe the area I would find the most challenging would be having the individual open up and tell me their story. I need to start asking questions to build rapport and trust to allow them to open up to me. Moving forward I will ensure to ask questions over today's events to allow the rapport and trust to flow more easily.
Theodore, Ethical is the way! Tell me, how do you know if it is truly a benefit for the student?
Dr. Jean Norris
I like to take a temperature gauge approach- so you find out where they are at regarding a prospect's needs and wants. It is important to address concerns between attributes and turn them into the benefits of enrolling with my school. Ethically satisfying their need, will help them foster confidence in their decision to enroll and their satisfaction with an Admissions professional.
Amanda, Great awareness! What can you do to help the student complete a more informed assessment of why they are truly wanting to attend school?
Elizabeth Wheeler
I feel I can do a better job of getting prospective students to complete a more informed assessment of why they are truly wanting to attend school. Most students say "to get a better job" but they may not be the true issue.
