enrollment
How can the paperwork be minimized so that we can make the process quicker as well as efficient.
i completely agree that the paperwork kind of builds it up. It allows the student to understand what they are doing and it gives them a token of the start of their journey.
I so agree with you on taking ownership. It is so important to make them realize that it is just a stepping stone to a better future. Value needs to be instilled.
I agree that electronic signing is totally advantageous.
First reason is because I work at an online school and for obvious reasons it's way more convenient.
Second, it's less time consuming.
Thirdly, using the postal service runs the risk of not meeting deadlines on time. Mail gets lost or misplaced in the process which could create anxiety for the student while they have to either complete the documents again or attempt to track the lost documents.
I'm so happy technology has provided for us a new and more efficient way to execute our online forms.
In my opinion, this is an area that requires much patience. It is our best intrest to take our time with the student so they feel comfortable with their decision...
I agree the enrollment process into school is very important and is the first step in a student taking ownership for an investment to change their life. Although it is a long process students need to show commitment and realize how big of a step they are about to take and the paperwork can build value into the time, money and scarfice that will come with earning an education.
Enrolling into a program is a life changing decision for the student and it our duty to ensure we have discussed and explained in great detail what is involved in this decision they have made.
It is time consuming, but not as time consuming as the results during/following the choice of the student to enter a program in which their future is determined.
I too find the amount of paperwork to sometimes be overwhelming to a student. However, I find that it is necessary for them to have a very strong understanding of the responsibilities they are accepting by enrolling in school. I take my time and go through the paperwork very throughoughly. This allows the student to ask questions and completely understand all of the disclosures and expectations a student has.
Thats a great point and is also the way I explain it to my students. College is an investment and is equilvilant to purchasing something big like a car, house ect...
That will help the student understand why the process is rather lengthy.
I agree 100% you see bad practices happen when they do not realize that the person on the other end of the line is making a life altering descison. Take your time and really care about them and you will meet their needs and truly change a life for the better
Our school also uses electronic signature signing as it is an online school with many students signing up from all over the United States and Canada. It is definitely a helpful tool to quicken the enrollment process!
I agree with you to a point; however, that is why the role of the Agent/Admissions rep is so critical. It is our duty/job to make sure that a potential student is fully aware of every aspect of the institution and program they wish to enroll with. It is also the responsibility of the potential student to do their due diligence by reading, understanding, and asking questions of the Agent/Admission Rep. By working together, hopefully all questions are answered, the potential student is fully informed and feels comfortable proceeding forward with the knowledge they have in hand.
I agree e-signs are a great way to enroll students.
Brian:
Its not required in Ohio that all original paperwork be kept. Scanned copies are acceptable. There may be other legal reasons while schools keep the original documents, particularly the enrollment agreements.
I have also put an immense importance in a format or "script" used that was issued to us originally from marketing and has been tested and proven to be effective and most informative in instructing potential students about all they need to know. If ever I need to see if I have informed that student completely, I refer to that original help.
It seems, however, that there would be alot of duplication, having the original paperwork then have it scanned or copied electronically. Is that necessary in every case?
One just needs to be organized. There is an abundant of paperwork.
Electronic signatures are the best way to minimize paperwork and make the process quicker and more efficient. However there should still be a hard copy on hand
I agree that Electronic signatures help minimize paperwork. It is a good resource to have if the enrollment paperwork needs to be retrieved. I also keep a hard copy for myself as well as the student.
I utilize the paperwork time frame to reinforce much of the information given during the interview. I have found over the years that students do have to hear information 2-3 times before it is retained and the enrollment paperwork presents this opportunity.
