Hi Everyone, This is really a wonderful resource and I'm enjoying the course. One of the interesting things that jumped out at me was the delineation between agents and admissions representatives. As online programs continue to grow internationally, it will be interesting to see the role of international agents changes and the role they play in connecting colleges and students. For example, suppose a college wanted to use an agent in India: it appears that CIE would need to do a background check on that agent, and assure he/she is taking this training. Essentially, it doesn't matter if the agent is in India, or Miami. The same training applies to anyone who is representing your brand. This is fantastic, and reflects true leadership on the part of CIE. As someone with a marketing background, I know that branding success only occurs when the message being conveyed is consistent among stakeholders. This training assures this, which protects both the student and institution. Best of luck to everyone in the course, Matthew Kenney

In my experience making the client feel comfortable is paramount. If this is accomplished there is a much better chance of a enrollment.

I have to say after reading this section it helped me a lot. I actually sat in on several classes at my institute and spoke to almost all the instructors. This was one of the best ways for me to learn about the programs at my school rather than reading the "Institutional Catalog". Did anyone eles experience this same learning experience?

can we have one designated admissions officer handle tuition assitance???

Compliance trainings are so essential, how often should reps be updated with trainings to make sure the information is current?

Career Services offers such great assistance to our students! I love being on tour with my future students and getting to show off our Career Service center. Potential students are blown away with how much attention we give our students and grads and really help them not only while they are in school, but even after they have graduated.

What are some positive spins or tips reps have used when talking with their potential students about taking out sub/unsub loans?

Since marketing strategies are changing so often, what is a common strategy that continues to be proven successful? And why?

ATB testing is part of our admissions policy and procedure, of course it only applies when the prospect does not have a HS Diploma or equivalent also when is part of other agencies procedures in order to approve funds. But know one of the main concerns are that if ATB testing are not re-approve do we have a plan B, or if testing in Spanish is cancel what other options we will have?

We've found that a written policy and checklist to define which documents are required to be in a student's file is helpful. Each admissions rep is given a flow chart illustrating where the paperwork goes, at which stages of the enrollment and financial aid process. Each representative is also responsible for keeping copies of files for each student enrolled, for a specific period of time.

One of the problems we experience from time-to-time is our admissions representatives relying on Career Services to “close the deal” for them. An admissions agent will ask a prospect to call Career Services and inquire about job opportunities in his/her area. This puts the Career Services personnel in a precarious situation of making or breaking the deal. We have great reps and this happens rarely. When it does, the Career Services personnel kindly deflect the question back to the rep. Our policy is now “Career Services works with enrolled and graduated students only.”

Why is it important to know exactly where your organization is marketing?

what will be the most reliable method to insure a prospect students ability to complete the course of study.

About a year 1/2 ago when I started in Admissions I was very worry in how to remember what specific document that prospect student that came a week ago was missing in order to enroll, so I created an Enrollment Check List listing all required documents and mark those that were missing, also a notes space that allowed me to remember the person in case that I did not remember. This document was review modify and approve and added to the APP. Later on I learn that the institution database had enough tabs were I can input all information commonly related to the check list that I created. By this means that to learn all tools provided by your institution data base is essential to perform proficient job and in your department.

Speak with enthusiasm. Make sure you are smiling while speaking with a student because it comes through on the other end.

Don't ask if they are still interested in going to school.

How do you determine what type of student would most likely be interested in your instituion?

What do some of your organizational charts look like? Are all schools broken into departments based on the services they provide to students? Does anyone have a specific Marketing or Human Resource department?

I know that every admissions coordinator must know the refund policy, as well as every enrollment agreement and course catalogue needs to include the policy as well. Is it sufficient to state that the school does have a refund policy included in the enroll agreement, or should we actually explain every piece of the refund policy during the time of signing the agreement?

When working in admissions, one will encounter a wide, diverse range of potential students in terms of age, work experience, ethnicity, socio-economic status, etc. I was wondering some of the best approaches to work with a potential student who is still in high school. I find these students tend to be very nervous and shy and don't have a confident vision of what they want out of an education. How do you connect with these students, learn their true ambitions, and minimize the tension and pressure within interviews so they can have an honest conversation about their needs?