integrity and disclosures have to be a tool that is very important to let prospective student know about your school
Our financial services department makes every option available to the student when concerning paying for school and makes sure they are comfortable with everything and understand everything.
I totally agree, Mary. It is important to always keep the focus on what is in the students best interest. Maintaining integrity is very important. I think it helps students to make the transition into school when they know that you are up front and are willing to disclose all of the facts and you looking out for them and have their best interest at heart. I feel that our financial aid department does a wonderful job of following through with what the admissions department has already disclosed to the student in reference to the tuition, fees, books, and supplies for each program that the student is inquiring about. They break down the expense vs loans and grants by quarter for the student to be able to make a sound decision. We also have the disclosure form which is a checklist that we go through with the students to make sure we have covered all of the disclosures required.
Although we do not have financial assistance for our programs, integrity is very important to us when interviewing prospective students. The Ohio Disclosure form clearly states all of the information to our enrollements.
When students come for a visit to our school they will sit down with our financial planner and go over the cost of the program and their options to make it afforadabe for them. They will know the exact breakdown of their financial responsibilities.It's all about being honest and up front about everything from the cost to what is will be covered in class etc. That way they have all the information they need to make a good decision!
At our college we show them every expense that they will have at our college. It is broken down to supplies that are needed, student life, computers, etc. They know what is coming unlike some colleges who offer unique classes that require extra supplies. Most colleges will hand out a list of supplies at each individual class that are needed and the student has to then go purchase them. These are hidden costs that are not talked about most of the time. We do our best to alleviate any added stress and let them know everything that is coming.
This info is shared in admissions interviews, in our catalog and website.
I agree, Mary. A large part of our students are returning adult learners. Some who have already attended other schools. There is a section in our initial Admissions meeting where we ask about other schools the prospective student has attended. The reason is to determine how many attempts the student has made at school in the past, and how we can help them to be successful at our school. We counsel the student regarding why they may have left other schools and what they are looking for a university to provide to them. Often times, the student will "bad mouth" other schools, but it is our responsibility to refocus the student to what they want vs their perceived bad experience at another school. Sometimes I have students who seem to expect me to agree with them about their previous school's negative impact on them. I find it is more beneficial to respond in a way to individualize the student's experience. Such as highlighting what we offer vs what they perceive they didn't receive at the other school.
I believe that one of the most important things to disclose is the Transfer of Credits policy. This can let a student know of their educational prospects after they leave the program at my school. Whether they are looking to immediately continue or down the road, it is best to let them know what to expect.
We provide information on pass rates of students that have taken a licensure exam after the program. This lets prospective students know how well prepared our graduates are before taking their exams.
No I think having the appropriate retention personnel certainly helps
We use the same process at our school. It seems to be a fair way to explain loans and the responsibilities that come with them...
The Ohio Disclosure is the one I like. At Ohio Business College it lists almost everything the college is obligated by law to give to students.
It seems the laws have covered the most important things for the welfare of all students.
I believe it is now a requirement for all institutions offering Title IV funding to have a financial aid calculator on their websites. This tool gives students a map of estimated costs.
I make the student aware of all cost and placement,graduation rates at the first appointment.
In general I believe it has been beneficial to the studnet and the school that we are now required to disclose all grad rates, completion rates etc. This let's the students know we are not hiding anything.
My employer is very up to date and regimented when it comes to making sure that we give all disclosures and information to students to help them make the best decision. Whenever there are additional questions regarding placement rates, graduation rates, crime and safety information, or drug free disclosures,etc., we always have a director on campus that is willing to answer quesitons to the best of their ability. The one area that I feel could be better focused on would be loan defaults and median loan debt. In the admissions department, it is not really something we are allowed to discuss, however it is always discovered later that our students do not always understand the whole concept of a "loan" and that it ultimately needs to be paid back.
The student comes first and it is most important that we remain honest & upfront walking them through the steps making them aware of what to expect and understanding their obligations academically & financially. Providing them with all the tools and information to aid in their success to graduate and be prepared for their career.
As an admissions rep I feel that the financial decision is one of the most difficult decisions they have to make. We are up front about the cost of the program and they complete the Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Notes with the Financial Aid. The FA department does a wonderful job stressing the resposibility of borrowing from the government and the neccessity of paying it back on time.
I think that being straight forward and honest with each and every student that you meet is the best way to be successful. We are here to HELP students make a VERY important life decision. If you keep that in mind (at all times) and truly keep the students best interest at heart, that sincerety will come across. That student will appreciate it and spread the word. That is how one becomes sucessful at this position. Another thing that I have always believed in, is the fact that you NEVER say anything bad about another school. This is another aspect of the job that will show the student that you truly are genuine. Also, it gives you the perfect opportunity to highlight more great things about YOUR school!!
The published graduation and placement rates for our programs are meaningful and generate interest in the school. When a prospective student and family make a college visit financial information is explained on an individual basis so everything is clear.
