James,
I agree with you. Building a strong rapport with a student is crucial. That bond builds trust and allows the student to open up to diclose their educational/career goals and pursuits. I think listening and guiding is our role and not counseling.
I think that in our role as admissions representatives, we build a strong rapport with our students and can develop a strong since of their career goals. We council them about programs that they may be interested in and how the program can help them reach their goals prior to starting in school. Once classes begin that's where we take a step back and leave those discussions to the Counselor. Do you agree?
Chad, I would absolutely agree with you. It is difficult in our role to draw that line, especially when most of the students we deal with on a day-to-day are looking for the guidance and direction, which is typically provided by a counselor.
The most important thing I keep in mind when speaking with prospective students is to always keep their best interest in the forefront. Students appreciate the honesty and sometimes, direct conversations.
I agree most often we are the individual that they first come to for advice or questions regarding their pending start in school. Should we have them have access to a counselor (student affairs specialist) earlier in the process.
