What is the best way to describe the Refund Policy?
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?
Thatcher,
Agreed! Never, ever assume.
The best way I advise to explain the refund policy to a prospect student is during the time of registration or while signing the enrollment agreement instead of assuming that the student will read it in the catalog.
Madelyne,
The refund policy is also in the catalog and you can also reference it there.
I also use this same response when explaining the refund section of the enrollment agreement. I explain every section to every student.
Jeff.
The refund policy is a topic that students rarely think about at time of enrollment but definitely at time of withdrawal.
I believe that it is essential to fully discose all elements of the refund policy so the student if fully aware of when and how much of a refund he is entitled to. This will possibly prevent an unwanted situation should a student withdraw.
Robert,
Thank you for sharing your process.
Timothy,
Even though we would not want to discuss the refund policy, we must inform them.
Pamela,
The refund policy should be explained so there are no surprises.
Adrianna,
Excellent tip in reading the document out loud!
Obviously the Refund Policy is a negative we all would prefer not to deal with, but we must deal with. The way I handle it during the signing of the enrollment agreement is to simply say there may be a life situation that arises for a student while they are in school that compels them to withdraw from school and therefore it is imperative that I review the refund policy with them. I use less negative reasons for having to withdraw such as, getting a new job that does not accommodate their class schedule.
Ours too, Pamela. I personally don't talk about refunds during the intial interview (we're there to get talk about getting into school, not leaving), unless they ask. But, I do explain it completely at the Enrollment Agreement stage. I call it a refund "hierarchy", then explain how the repayments are distributed.
Our refuind policy is explained in the catelog, on the enrollment agreement and we explain it in detail when they are signing the enrollment agreement. We try to put a positive spin on it that we know they will be successful and love the school and their program of study, but they need to know this just in case.
Dale,
It should be explained when discussing the catalog.
If a student have a question about the refund policy it should be address at that time
I think we need to do both. Have the refund policy stated in the enrollment agreement that they sign. I have a lot of young students and I read the enrollment agreement out loud and let them interrupt me with questions . I try to speak in term they understand so they aren't confused.
Fernando,
Excellent advice! Thank you for bringing your process to the forum.
I always like to mention the Refund policy followed by positive reinforcement. John I want you to know that our instition allows a 3 day cancelation period just in case you change your mind.. Although I know you are committed to this decision and you have the desire to better your future I just want to make it aware.
