No Sugar Coating
Hi everyone! I am a new Admissions Rep. I attended a meeting today to learn best practices utilized amongst our veteran Reps. In regards to the topic of tuition, I found that being honest with the prospective student definitely displays trust. Initially, a student will deem his/her tuition too expensive. However, we must remind them that Financial Aid is available to assist.
Christeenia,
No sugar coating is correct. We are dealing with adults and a contract.
Patty Aronoff
NO Sugar Coating!!!! Yes we should always remind them about financial aid, however if you are not honest and they financially get in over their head, they will eventually be a drop. Think about it!!!
Charles,
There are no guarantees, only opportunities. We all hope that the future brings us our dreams.
Patty Aronoff
I have heard admission people talk to students with a fairy-tale story of how great it is, how well they’ll do and how much money they’ll make; which turns my stomach. It reminds me of an Army recruiter I spoke to prior to joining the military. I was wise enough to see through the smoke and magic he was laying out, but there were still many opportunities I missed out on because I was not fully informed. Many students may or may not be able to understand the fiction some admission people speak of because they are overwhelmed with information, career choice and activities going on around them. As a teacher, former student, and experienced from being misled; I will only provide correct information to my applicants.
Lesley,
Exactly! We should put ourselves in the other person's seat and listen to what is being said. We would want honest accurate information sitting at the opposite side of the desk.
Patty Aronoff
I wouldn't want to be lied to about my tuition fees and payments and if you are honest about the coast you could help someone not to ruin their credit. It's not all about a sale. This is someone's life.
sharon,
Honesty, integrity, and thorough knowledge makes a conversation with the student above board and informed.
Patty Aronoff
bruce,
Very good advice! Honesty and integrity are the basic tenants of what we do. Misleading are overstating is against the law.
Patty Aronoff
I agree, honesty is the best policy. This will help the student make an informed decision. It also speaks to the integrity of the institution.
I Never Sugar Coat.... Sugar is Bad for us! It hardens our arteries and can kill us. It makes our minds blurry. So that being said.... I never ever sugar coat anything about the school I represent. However, If speaking the truth about something makes is sound a little sweet to them, then maybe that is ok? Example..... Giving them something as 'sweet' sounding as the course schedule and speaking about it NOT including Saturdays.... That in itself is (truth) and that in itself is very very (sweet) sounding to many applicants and that in itself motivates some to sign up for that particular course and schedule! So perhaps in the case of speaking sweet truths it is ok. BUT, never ever ever never ever lie OR embellish ANYTHING that my pressure the applicant to enroll under conditions that he or she really does not want to do. I always tell applicants,,,, "I typically remain unbiased during this whole process, I won't ever lie or deceive you, I won't be (that) 'salesman' everybody thinks about that is dirty. I won't pull down the lighted visor and blast the radio while revving the engine to impress you. I will always tell you the truth no matter how difficult it may be to hear at times" It works, it builds trust.
Omar,
So much better when you always do the right thing. If you are uncertain ask for help.
Patty Aronoff
Vanessa,
We are dealing with people. They rely on us for providing accurate information. Transparency, honesty, and integrity is part of our job.
Patty Aronoff
Things can only go wrong if you are not upfront and honest about the process. Theres no sugar coating necessary.
I agree it is our responsibility to be as helpful and as honest as possible. At the end of the day we are dealing with people, not numbers.
Denise,
Transparency is about putting the information out there so there are no questions left unanswered. How we present it can be in a positive or a negative light.
Patty Aronoff
I agree that each institution has its benefits and its challenges that need to be disclosed to potential students. It is ok to present the benefits of the school while informing the student of everything that they need to know about the school and the career that they have chosen. In this digital age, the students will most likely find out about the downsides anyway. It is better to hear it from the admissions officer than to read about it and get surprised from the internet.
Christie,
We should always practice honesty and integrity. As consumers, that is the trust factor.
Patty Aronoff
I feel when you are honest that you will be able to maintain the students in the long run and the will respect you more.
william,
If we overstate or embellish or just plain omit, we are misleading our customers which is against the law protecting the consumer.
Patty Aronoff
