Admissions
Admissions reps need to know their product, backwards & forwards.
Perfect... be sure to really understand careers goals and why the student wants to do what they want to do.
Dr. B
I think asking the students five questions about their home life, fun experiences, goals in life, and events they enjoy attending assist with increasing their comfort.
Be clear and honest about expectations... And, tell them "why." Show them that your expectations will result in success...success is the student getting the job that he or she wants.
Dr. B
Something else that needs to be addressed before the student begins classes is what will be expected from the student when he/she arrives. The student shows up on the first day with great excitement to be in school, high hopes for his future, and a generally positive attitude, only to discover that their admissions rep didn't bother to tell them that the school has Professionalism standards that include wearing the proper work shoes and pants instead of sneakers and shorts, and a professional-looking, conservative hair style. Now we as instructors have to be the "bad guy" and tell them they have to get work clothes and cut their hair or they won't be allowed to continue. The admissions rep saw an easy commission and an easier way to bounce the responsibility to someone else, by just not mentioning what is expected of the student.
Good idea. Sometimes, you can have the student sit in a class for 15 minutes or so. This gives them a good idea as to what goes on. You know the hardest part about going back to school is to actually step into the classroom. Just an idea.
Dr. B
Admission reps yes are there to get enrollment and the reps I see & hear are very personalble with the people they are taking on a tour, however they should come in the classroom more often and speak with the students or instructors from time to time, perhaps have some prearrangements made so not to interupt a demo or lecture.
I love that idea that you do at your school. It is true unfortunalty that admissions most of the time are their just to "sell" and not pay attention to everything else. I think that admissionsshould definalty be more involved in knowing about the students academics, tests, services etc... I also think it would be informative for them so they can also explain it to the new prospects that come in.
So, the key is to link with admissions early in the process. The idea is to develop a good solid relationship.
Dr. B
This is an excellent point. The admissions rep is usually the first contact a potential student has with the school and this is a most important time to make an excellent first impression while building confidence in the potential student with a major decision they are about to make.
Christopher Admissions rep have one thing and one thing in mind; sell sell sell...they do not care if they know the product or not. Heck most of them do not even know my name at the school I work at
Christopher and others, Not only do they have to know their product per se, but they also should be able to explain the nature of the class as to how it will eventually relate to their education. In our school, many of us appear at occasional admissions meetings and discuss the purpose of our class, tests, quizzes and eventual outcomes. Conversely, we invite admissions types to visit our classes so they can see first hand what is being conveyed. I personally am one to invite an admissions person and accompanying student prospect into a class, should I hear them in the hallway.
