texting
Does anyone text prospective students?
Although texting and social media will definitely allow for communication with a student. I feel it lacks any personal touch and I don't think you can convey your message as easy.
I would much rather e-mail my student instead of giving out my personal information to them. I feel it is more professional to e-mail rather than text and the student is definitely going to see that. Sometimes I ask the student if they have a smart phone so that they can photograph documents, but I always have them send it to my e-mail address.
I don't like it when anyone I don't know on a personal level texts me and so I wouldn't text with a prospective student. It boils down to, you can "miss" a call but when someone texts you they *know* you got it at some point. It's like getting a hand-written letter; it's implied that you're socially obligated to respond or else be ready to explain why you never had the time, not once at any point in the entire expanse of time since it was sent.
And if it's obviously an automated text that's even worse. Now it's not too personal from a professional contact, instead it's somebody i've never met or spoken with having built a system that's filling up my phone with a bunch of junk pre-written by someone i've never met or spoken with.
No, thank you.
True. Just like anything else, it could be useful in the right circumstances, while dangerous or inappropriate in others. Not sure why some are saying a text message isn't trackable though.
I agree that commumication skills are important, but I find that most of my students do not respond to a phone call or e mail. They may be interested in my school but may shy away from a phone contact to start. Texting can be a way for a student to communicate with you without feeling pressured. It is not ment to replace verbal communication. To me it can be a open line of communication
I have not texted prospective students nor have I received a text before when I was applying for schools. I think it would be an affective way to communicate and reach potential studens but that could cross an appropraite interaction line as well.
I would say if all other resources have been exhausted then sending a quick text wouldn't be a bad idea.
I don't believe texting is a very "personal" way of communicating and not engaging for the prospective student. I feel that it would make them feel more like a number and that their success and future is less important to myself and the school I represent in our follow up conversations. So much can get lost in translation in a text.
I am not a big texter with our students since I am mainly do re-enrolls, but I know that our highschool rep really has to do alot of texting. I think with the younger generation, we will not be able to get away from this type of communication or others that will come in the future.
With the social networking and texting I feel you are 100% correct. I think in this generation and with all the technology, they would much rather be non-verbal than verbal. There are many soliciters out there and a student is less likely to pick up their home phone/cell phone because of a unknown number, private number or a number they do not recognize.
We have discussed being able to text via the email as well, but I would only really use texting to confirm appointments with students. I still feel most comfortable speaking or emailing them, I can personalize this form of communication better.
This is certainly something to think about but I would be very cautious because you have no record of the msg in their file. I do think though if there is a way to set this up through computer generated text (so a copy can be noted in their file) this may provide an alternative to reaching someone - I do know that a lot of people prefer to conduct business through text vs a phone call.
It may be something to think about. Maybe not specific details, but to schedule meeting times and follow-ups may not be a bad idea. It will allow them to respond when they have time and it may make compliance a little more efficient.
Sometimes they text me but I hate communicating that way.
I agree that texting is inappropriate. It would be a good way to reach many of our students quickly though. We frequently rely on the past conversation notes and emails to and from students so there would not be this information trail with texting.
Brandon,
The use of texting as a communication tool is really up to each individual school. I suggest that you discuss this with the administration at your school to find our what their policy is.
Kimberly Stein
What if a student prefers to used this method as a medium of communication? This is similar to email.. if email is allowed, shouldnt text be too?
I couldn't agree more. Many of our students do not have good writing skills. There is little sentence structure, many abbreviations for writing. It's too easy for someone did not get the text especially if what was sent is not what they wanted to hear. Formal communication, proper terminology, grammar and spelling must be the first impression on the students
We don't, although many of the larger staate schools are turning to that as an option. However, in order to ensure both our credibility and lessen the "harassment" feel that students pick up on, I think it's best not to text. Plus, unless students opt-in to texting, we run the risk of upsetting the students, and running up their cell bills.
Yes, we are going to be implementing new CRM software that will allow us to text students. We are thinking this is the best way to get a hold of them.
