I realize that my job is effected by the amount of students that we have enrolled in school and our student sucess. So much depends on the students expectations and the feeling that they have been treated fairly. A student that is not happy with his/her desision can effect the whole class and is at risk of dropping out. Retention is everyone's job, it starts at the front door.
I agree. With my enrollment experience as a student, I would say many of the educational institutions of which I have graduated did not provide an enrollment process that helped me ensure I was making the right decision. It was a rushed process.
Lisa
Exit interviews are great, but since I am fairly new to the admissions process, I am curious as to how the exit interviews assist with changing the admissions process for improvement. By the time the student is ready to graduate, how does admissions benefit from these?
Lisa Ward
Yes, it could. Communication is many times the culprit for inconsistencies within an organization. Students don't like feeling like they are given conflicting information. Clear, concise, consistent information goes a long way toward instilling trust with the student.
What about interaction with other staff? Would that make a difference?
Dr. B
Admissions definitely sets the tone for the student's experience. The interaction between students and Admissions Rep is crucial to the thoughts that formulate within the student. Other employees actions also affect how the student feels in the new environment.
Good. Question, do you do employer surveys, too? Then, do teams of people review and adjust the curriculum for employability factors?
Dr. Banks
Same here, it is very, very important that the student has all the informations before committing. It built trust and respect for the place and the people who work there.
we do exit interviews for each student prior to graduation. this helps us improve our curriculum and the needs of the students and helps us prepare future student to be successful in their chosen field.
Yes, be clear about expectations and what it actually takes to be a successful student. How do you evaluated whether online learning is a good fit? You could consider evaluating social skills. If the student is naturally wired to write and communicate, he or she is more likely to stay in the course.
Dr. B
I totally agree and this is even more important to online learning environments. Students must know what to expect, what tools they need to be successful (technology related as well as time management or self-directed learning related), and the opportunity to evaluate whether online learning is a good fit for them.
There are many tenets that are telling about a school. What is said is always important but possibly what is done tells the real story. Students are very keen on their faculty and advisors being genuine and forthcoming in their aid. It is invaluable for students to have a sense of confidence and belief they will be successul and retention begins with the foundation of the proper attitude and spirit. Admission representative as well as faculty play a great part in how the student perceives the program and how their fit is relaitic. If they sense they are not in the right place or no one is connected to their goals they have very little support to which they can turn when needed.
