RETENTION STARTS IN ADMISSION
THE ADMISSION REP IS THE FRIST PERSON TO INTRODUCE THE STUDENT TO THE PROGRAM THEY WISH TO ENTER IF THE STUDENT DO NOT GET THE IMFORMATION THEY NEED TO MAKE THEM FEEL THEY CAN SUCCEED. THEY WILL NOT FOLLOW THROUGH WITH THEIR PLAN.
John,
The results from the survey would need to be used to help identify why students choose a program and their expectations.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I agree that students would benifit from a survey/questionaire. Not of knowledge but based on their experiences that drove them to the field of study they are persuing.
I agree with that. It is so important that the admissions attendant will tell the potential student the truth about the program they are intrested in.
I agree with your statement. Admissions rep need to find out what is in the best interest for teh student to keep retention and not just filling up classes
Rosalie,
Students are required to receive a catalog upon enrollment. Schools can provide employment placement data if required. Data on employment opportunities may not be allowed but I cannot be certain. Might set false expectations of what the school will do regarding placement.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Since, Admissions are usually the first to meet students to enroll them, Admissions should provide students with a course catalog and data on employment opportunities. In order to allow students to meet other supportive staff, a formal orientation day would give students the opportunity to meet with various staff members and should allow them to see the function of the program that interests them.
Rosalie,
Are you aware of any training provided to Admissions to support this view? Conversely, if Admissions sets the impression how does the rest of the school support the impression through what they offer?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
The concept that “retention starts in admissions†reflects the value of “first impressions.â€
First impressions are immediate and enduring. In a few seconds of meeting an admission rep, the prospective student will already have a positive or negative view of the school. For that reason, a first impression made by the admission department, will likely influence student retention since reps are usually the first to meet prospective students and make an impression on the school.
Therefore the admissions dept should portray themselves as the primary student advocate and provide accurate information with realistic expectations to prospective students in order to earn students’ trust. Admissions can incorporate other departments in their process with meets and greets of the staff, but initially, they hold the value of that “first impression.â€
Stephen,
Yes, meeting someone directly involved in their learning helps make a strong connection to the school.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
having an excellent rapport with your enrollment team really makes a difference. we are all equally invested in our students and that starts from the time they walk in the door to our facility. We often make every effort to have them meet the PD when they take a tour of the facility- ST
Francis,
All institutions are tuition driven. Provide product knowledge to the Admissions team on a regular basis and discuss appropriate student expectations. Meeting with program advisors and instructors helps build a connection and offers the student to get a true sense of their expectations.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I totally agree. The admissions representatives will know during the admissions process if the student is a good fit for the program. Many institutions that are tuition driven will accept a student although its clear that their chances of succeeding are limited.
The admissions rep. is responsible for providing accurate information and ensuring that the student has a good handle on what is being expected of them. It is a good idea to have prospective students meet with program advisors and financial advisors during the admissions process.
Leticia,
I would give this feedback to your school director and the admissions director. The students did have to self identify their interest in the school. Do you teach the first class students take or do you meet them at a later point?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I agree with the statement that retention starts in admissions. I wish the school that I teach for had an admissions program that was a bit more selective. At the beginning of each term I ask my new students what motivated them to choose our program, I'd say that that least half of them say that their admission's rep choose for them and they just went along with it. As a instructor I'd rather have those students sit in a class or two and make the decision on their own free will. These students who feel pressured to sign up are always my students who end up being the least committed and tend to drop out. I understand that the school is a business and we need to meet enrollment numbers but for an admissions rep to choose a program for a student, also doesn't work.
QUINTIN,
If possible ask to participate in an admissions tour once in awhile. If you hear anything of concern bring to the attention of the proper person or persons afterward.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
The trick is to make sure the incoming student has been given a true version of what will be expected of a stude4nt. Sometimes there can be a tendency to embellish facts just to get a person in the door. Luckily, this does not happen where I am employed. When it does happen, retention suffers.
I have known several students who have dropped out because of the false information given to the during admissions. It is imperitive thet correct information is provided.
Yes, everyone at the school must assist in retaining the students. Admissions gets them in, they, along with all faculty and stuff must retain them.
Cara,
Yes, admissions sets the tone. The "hand off" of the student from admissions to education is important. Students' begin to set their expectations of the school early on.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
