Randi,
You bring up a very good point. Making sure the students goals and expectations match the outcome of the program is a very imporant step.
Kimberly Stein
I believe it is crutial to explain the program they would be enrolling in thouroughly making sure it is a good fit for the student. I believe one of the most important conversations to have with the student, is to see if this degree is going to accomplish their goals and be useful to them now and in the future. Students also have an interest in the success rates of other students with the same degree's have been able to accomplish. In some ways they use that information to gauge their potential in their field of choice.
It is important to ask why they student is interested in the particular field they have chosen. Certainly some data can lead a student to a career on the basis of salary or on a desirable work schedule. We make sure the student understands what the field they are looking at is really all about besides the perks of that field.
It is so important for admissions representatives to continuously be informed of changes happening at their campuses. This is the only way that we can provide honest and accurate data. We all know that changes can occur quite often in this environment. If we are informed of any changes, we can share this info with our prospective students.
Getting a true underestanding of the what the student wants to do (career or goal). Then making sure the program they are stepping into is one that will truthfully help them reach those goals or a certain career path.
In the discovery process, an important aspect is ensuring that their goals are actually attainable after completing the program or courses they are looking to enroll in. Talking about goals and being realistic about the time frames to reach those goals is important.
If a student is not sure that Nursing is the right program for them I always have them speak with the Nursing Program Chair. She is able to give them a good understanding of what the profession of Nursing entails and gives them a clear understanding of what they are getting in to.
A thorough interview of the student will help ascertain the students expectations and goals. by understanding those, you can determine if your programs are able to help a student succeed. only once you have determined that your program is a good fit should you continue the discussion. a student who enrolls in a program that does not match their needs or goals will not be likely to complete the program.
Make sure that there is full, accurate disclosure so they have all the correct information to make an educated decision about their chosen career path.
It is important to understand the potential students goals and strengths. We are responsible for helping the student choose a career path that fits what they want by giving them all relevant info.
We always make sure that this is something the students is truly interested in. We make sure that they fully understand the program and what will be expected of them.
I also find it helpful to ask if this is something they have always been interested in,do they have the support of their family as well as why they are interested in pursuing it.
Mark,
Having students meet directly with program chairs to answers specific program questions is always a good idea.
Kimberly Stein
We somewhat take the same type of approach. We complete "program matching" during our career planning session. As an admissions representative, it is very important to ensure that we help the students to find their correct program of interest. It will only hurt the students and the school in the future if we do not complete this step to the best of our ability. If a student is in the wrong program, then they will not be successful. It is our job to do all that we can to help the students to be successful.
It is so important for admissions representatives to continuously be informed of changes happening at their campuses. This is the only way that we can provide honest and accurate data. We all know that changes can occur quite often in this environment.
If a student is seeking more information about a specific program or course, we may set up a meeting with the student and an instructor or program chair. Our faculty may be better equipped to answer technical questions about the program and some of the career choices. Topics of importance depend on the student. Each student has a different set of needs or concerns about going to school. Therefore, it is important for school represenatives to identify the needs in order to provide necessary information so the student can make an informed decision.
Having honest and open conversations with the student to learn about his/her career goals and provide them with campus and program information in order for the studnet to make an informed decision is essential. Actively listen and confirming understanding is equally important to ensure that the student is making the correct choice.
Katherine,
I also share your belief in the importance of being transparent and realistic with students. Students may not always know the right questions to ask a school, but if we as professionals suspect that the student could be misinformed about anything, it is our responsibility to make sure we address this to make sure students are well informed to make a decision on whether or not to enroll.
As an admissions representative for an institution, I feel it is imperative we are always encouraging prospective students to seek out more information and research their desired career field both prior to enrolling and also while pursuing their education. It's important to understand student's and their long term goals, expectations for career advancement, and also expectations they have on their school. The better we as admissions reps can understand a student's needs, the better we can help that student with determining if our school can meet those needs.
Asking clarification questions is key to gaining an accurate image of the student's understanding of the material.
Our website has been designed to include direct links to the Department of Labor, ONET Online, the Department of Education, etc and we also have documents that include median loan debt, grad/placement rates, etc. I think being transparent and directing students to these resources are key. Our interview script has been development to already include the most important conversation to have with students.
I spend as much time needed discussing all our programs also getting instructors involved to give students a break down of their class week by week. I am lucky to be located at an actual campus.
