Proper Advisement
I am amazed at the number of prospects calls we receive after being told by other schools that their criminal background will not affect them. Or after these poor students pay out nearly $20K to attend a class they will not be able to obtain gainful employment in that industry. Needing to pass a level 2 bsckground check is vital in certain industries. Always best to be upfront and honest. My goal, as well as the schools,is for the students to succeed.
Craig, Each institution should assess which programs they offer which would require passing criminal background checks and ensure that a prospective student will be able to obtain gainful employment after graduation from that program. Our school only has programs that should lead to a professional license that only can be gained if the student has a pretty spotless criminal background. Though we will not ask for a background check prior to enrollment we do ask in a questionaire if the prospective student has felony convictions so we can counsel them accordingly
John ,
There needs to be full disclosure no matter how difficult the conversation may be. Completing a program only to discover you cannot be hired because of hiring requirements such as a background check should not happen. There should be no surprises.
Patty Aronoff
This initial interview is one that is only honest if the feedback is honest. Asking a student if they have had any trouble in the past with law enforcement is great. We have them sign a waiver as such stating they understand jobs will be difficult to obtain if a background is not clean.
Reean,
It's the law! How many times have you been disappointed as a consumer when an important detail was left out or even misrepresented. We cannot do this to our students.
Patty Aronoff
I agree it's very important to give students 100% accuracy in information provided. They are always appreciative of that even if the answer you give is not what they were hoping to hear at least it's the truth and will give them the knowledge to make an educated decision and the right choice for them.
Andrew,
It is an obligation, it is the law, it is the most ethical way to conduct business.
Patty Aronoff
Part of being a great admissions rep is making sure that you give your students 100% true information to make sure to prevent any misunderstandings or misleading of the student.
Craig,
I agree. Sometimes we need to give an individual the opportunity. Most have paid their debt to society and look to rejoin the community in a productive way.
Patty Aronoff
I respectfully disagree with you that someone with a criminal background should be dissuaded from enrolling in college courses. As a former criminal defense attorney, I can tell you that frequently a condition of probation for a young defendant is that the defendant enrolls in courses in a college setting. This should be encouraged, not discouraged. As an owner of a company I would be impressed with an individual that built himself up from beign a criminal to a college grad.
Bryan,
Those satisfied students are your best marketing strategy for your school and future enrollments.
Patty Aronoff
Bruce,
It all started years ago with "rate my professor" where so many students turned to the postings for guidance. Unfortunately, many times only the angered are off to use these boards to complain. Social media needs to be take from wich the platform is created and the intention of the post.
Patty Aronoff
Jennifer,
Yes, they can. Rule requires that placement services be provided to the students.
Patty Aronoff
With students communicating on social media and blogs any misrepresentation will be immediately disseminated.
I agree 100%. Must uphold the integrity of the college by simply being honest. Also by doing so you will have the best students enrolled at your college and they will be the ones representing your school when starting their careers.
