What are the best ways to follow up with students after they enroll an
You should try to call at least every other week or every week depending what you feel is best to keep in contact with the student, send updates on the program that they are going into, also send cards for holidays or bdays if they are within that time, and even call for referrals to ask for phone numbers of friends that might be interested or know of anyone then give them your number or business cards to give to them.
Amilcar,
Yes, it is truly about the student. Keeping the relationship beyond the initial stage is important whether they start right away or come back later.
You dont want the studetn to feel harrased but at the same time you dont want the student to think and say well all they cared about was getting me enrolled and they forgot i exist. You have to let the student know that they are not a number but an actual person and that the college appreciates them.
I share a similar sentiment to Analays, but it depends on the duration between enrollment and start of the program. For example, we might enroll a student 6 months out from the start of the program. At that point weekly contact would be unnecessary, and could even potentially become annoying. I think a follow up contact would be sufficient, and then one or two contacts within a 4 weeks of the program starting would be an appropriate frequency.
I agree with calling the student a few times prior to the Orientation or 1st day of class. So many things could happen in the student's life that could change their mind about going to school. By keeping in contact with them, helps me to address any concerns or if they maybe having 2nd thoughts.
Sara,
We all must work together for the success of our students.
It is always good to work with other departments to maintain consistency and student retention
Also because the student is new, one of the few people he/she knows at this point is the Admission's Representative; therefore seeing the Reps face can be enlightening and encouraging.
Lamarion,
Students love to be recognized. It is partly customer service but primarily building upon that relationship that began in admissions.
It is also a great idea to drop by the student's class for a face to face visit. This let's the student know that you are really concerned about his/her well being.
Lola,
As an admissions rep, it is important to know how far and when to quit so that it does not become harassment.
Marcie,
It is very important to keep regular contact with the student even it is just a simple hello.
Gerald,
Follow-up is extremely important to maintaining that relationship beyond admissions.
Josefina,
Deadlines for some are required, such as financial aid. For other activities, it may be unneeded pressure.
I believe that setting deadlines for the student is importnat then these should be followed by a reminder call and e-mail.
I believe follow up is very important either through phone,e-mail,text messages. to help the student to stay focused on there goal.
At our institution we have found it helpful for the enrollment / admissions staff to follow up once the students are enrolled and then "pass the baton" to the Student Services team. Regularly scheduled contact with students is maintained.
After enrollment, it is important to keep a student engaged but not harrassed. How a student is welcomed will set the tone for their college experience. Follow-up information should make a student already feel like a part of the school. The process is cyclical because by graduation, a student's experience can dictate how involved he/she will be as an alum and if his/her word of mouth will help draw prospective students to enroll.
Christy,
Many schools ask for permission to text as well as many students will respond quicker to a text.
I mainly use text messaging for reminders or just quick encouragement, not intensive follow up, but I do find that in some cases students appear to enjoy it and respond quicker than other forms of communication.
