Providing accurate program information to students to ensure they are enrolling in the program that best fits what they want. I want to enroll a student in a program best fitted for them, not just enrolling them to fill a seat.
Being an online institution I will encourage students that they get a computer and internet before they start class. It will not help student success if they enroll without reliable access to a computer and high speed internet.
It is really importnant to me that i stress our institution cannot guarantee employment after graduation.
Mary,
Hi, I completely agree with your response. In our industry it is important that everyone learn as much as possible about their school and understand their role within the institution.
Cindy Bryant
I feel that it is important to make sure that the student is fully informed of the financial obligation that they are going to have in order to complete their education. I also want to make sure that the student has made an informed decision about the program that the choose. Not only that they are going to be able to gain employment in that field but that our college is their best choice for the path that they are taking.
Honest communication, qualified staff & faculty, and letting students know I work in admissions and not financial aid, are the three ethical practices I face the most with enrolling students.
I do not work in financial aid, so I am not qualified to help or answer any questions a student may have about their financial aid or FASFA. As well as not working with financial aid questions with a student, I try to be honest and give the students qualified answers with their enrollment process. Letting students know specifics about their opportunities with their degree, and giving them honest information about the classes in their major are two things I am qualified to answer. Being qualified in my field and being honest with students allows the students to have a better experience at our institution.
Alexis,
This is great information and an important practice. Students need to fully understand their financial obligations offered at any school that they may be considering.
Cindy Bryant
I would say that explaining to students that they are taking out loans and what type of loan they are and the interest rates is one of the most important ethical practices. This makes sure the student is fully aware of what type of financial contract they are entering into. I also believe in not pressuring a student to leave another school. Often students are deciding between schools, and I give the facts about our school but never speak negatively about other colleges.
Christina,
HI! Sounds as if you have a wonderful grasp on your boundaries as an admissions representative. Failing to maintain those boundaries jeopardizes your current students, school and/or your position.
Cindy Bryant
The ethical issues that are most important to me, or that I encounter, is making sure students understand that I am in admissions and therefore cannot answer Financial Aid questions for them, that I cannot make exceptions to rules due to their personal circumstances, and that I cannot simply accept their personal documents as official documents to complete their enrollment files. These are most important because they are the basis of everything we do here. All it takes is one person to say someone else got away with it to create a storm of accusations and chaos. Everything needs to be uniform. And the messaging that we give to students must always be consistent.
Being knowledgeable is probably the most important ethical practice for me. It is important for me to have all of the information available on any given part of my job. I know that if I have the knowledge I need it will be easier for me to practice honest communication and good moral character. As a human being I try to keep good communciation and good moral character anyway. Using all three important components would only make me more effective and leave a much more positive impression with students, wile also helping our school's reputation by being someone that students can count on if they need help.
Eric,
Welcome! Thank you for sharing your position on guaranteeing employment, disclosures and using financial aid to the benefit of the student.
Cindy Bryant
The three ethical practices that are most important to me are Honesty, being upfront about transferring of credits. And also making sure that this is what the student wants to do and it is the right career field for them. It's not fair to the student to just enroll them to fill seats, instead, it should be something they are interested in and excited about.
1. When prospective students ask me about what kind of jobs are available once they earn their degree, I always am sure to notify them that the degree does not guarantee employment - it may qualify you for an interview but ultimately you must sell yourself to any employer.
2. When scheduling an incoming student for the class I am always sure to give them every peace of information available that is necessary for them to be successful in the program. That way I have the peace of mind that I did all I could for that student.
3. When students ask about financial aid and disbursement dates - I always make sure to get them to someone in that department and notify the student I am not qualified to talk to them about the status of their financial aid.
Amy,
Your response is very well thought out and thorough. Thank you for sharing with the group.
Cindy Bryant
Of the twelve elthical conducts outlined in the ethical standard section, here are the three that I feel most apply to me and why:
1) Honest Communcation: I work in admissions and I think that being forthright and honest with students really sets the standard for the college and gives the student the most accurate idea of their education and future at our institution.
2) Qualified Staff & Faculty: I think that as an educational institution, it is important that our faculty and staff are able to speak inteligently and fulfill their duties and responsibilities to the students.
3) Good Moral Character: I think it's important to remember that we are not here to take money from students. Nor are we here to make promises we can't keep. I think maintaining a good moral character and remembering that the student is the #1 priority is very important and always considering them and their future is key!
Bonnie,
Welcome to the forum. The goal of the Program Integrity rules were to create transparency for the student. Your position goes hand in hand with the new regs. Great job!
Cindy Bryant
First, I believe schools should strive to accurately describe programs to perspective students in all means of advertising/marketing utilized to attract students. Secondly, once a student enters the school for a tour it is essential that their questions be answered truthfully and that no inacurate or false promises are made. Lastly, imparting accurate information to students as they make their way through the financial aid maze is important, both in terms of helping students understand what their financial obligation will be and in terms of disclosing all options.
First, I believe it is very important to determine whether the student is qualified to enroll in a specific program. Once this has been established the student should be placed in the correct program to suit their educational and professional needs. Third, the student should have a clear understanding of the financial payout and repay of student loan debt, the rigorous schedule of learning, the demand on student resources both time and money, and a clear understanding of the length of the program as well as that graduation does not ensure employment in the profession.
1. Honest communication between all staff and students, this promotes a healthy positive environment in the work place and in the classroom.
2. Fair treatment of each student and employee, so that there is no discrimination. As a professional in your field, you should always foster respect,understanding and trust based upon the individual situation at hand. 3. Become familiar with your institutions "Mission Statement" and adhere to the "Ethical Practices and Guidelines set forth in your employee handbook. Most importantly, apply each of those practices on a daily basis, both on and off the job.
For me I believe having honest communication, being professional, and responsibility are among the most important. Every person from student to employers having open honest communication with one another will ensure a well ran school. Being professional will be a great example to the students of how things should be in the workplace.
Eric,
It is interesting that you mention managing faculty-this the single most important piece to delivering the education that was promised to the student. Thank you for placing this in the spotlight.
Cindy Bryant
