At first I was against this practice, but as I became more and more informed about the business, I now believe it is the correct thing to to. Schools' not for everyone. I personally know people whose educational experiences were limited to a High School diploma, and yet they earn more than some people with a college degree. Dropout rates and Graduation rates also affect your institution's status, so it will be better to have a student not enter a program at your institution, than to have have them come in and later drop out.
I agree 100%, in our profession we are here to assist the prospective student in obtaining an education wether at our institution or another. I personally take great pleasure in helping them reach their dreams and goals
And isn't that what it's really about, helping the student? Taking the time to understand the best next step for the student based on THEIR goals will likely result in a win-win situation. Thank you for sharing your insight Susan.
I completely agree with this approach. When I first started out in higher education, I was not aware of the past history of high pressure sales or the ethical or unethical enrollment practices which existed. It just made sense for a student to enroll who would benefit from the program in various aspects. I have talked to several students over the years who have wanted to enroll, but were unable to enroll at that particular time. All of a sudden 1-3 years later, the student would be contacting us about enrolling explaining that their situation had changed and they were now ready to focus on their studies. It's so much more rewarding when you know that you are helping a student rather then just gathering enrollments.
I think you hit the nail on the head Andriana. If the goal is to help students get an education and succeed in their educational and career goals, then it makes sense that we would want to enroll the RIGHT students for our school. Taking the time to explore all options with our students allows us to help them through the decision-making process, and though they may not enroll at your school - the positive experience they had with you could turn into a referral down the road. Thank you for your post.
I would feel confident because our goal as admissions in Higher Education is for us students to succeed and get an education that they will be happy with. In my opinion why would I want to enroll a student that is not happy with our school nor the program they wish to study and then later on decide to drop or stay in the program just because and not succeed.
It's a great approach for working on your personally developed leads! You're right - taking the time to develop a relationship with an individual, even if they aren't going to attend your school, can help you start relationships with people who will become students. Thank you.
I think that this is the best example of ethical practices & develops a relationship with a prospective student that shows you are truly interested in what is the best fit for them which may not be your school, but guest what my school may be the best fit for their friend or family member. So I have potentially created a new lead
I agree, Yolanda! I had a student who ultimately decided on a different school because we did not have the program she wanted, but she referred both her husband and her best friend to me, who started! I think it is always worthwhile to build good relationships and act with integrity- you never know how far that will go. I know she had a good experience here even though she did not attend, and that she speaks highly of our school. There is not a price tag you can put on that!
I enjoy exploring all the options with the student even if they do not choose my school. Its best to keep the needs of the student first, by providing them with all the resources available to make the right decision. A student may actually realize that your school is the best fit. In some cases, refferals may also be gained in the process.
Monique, I like this. Thanks for sharing. So now how do we look at our current process to make sure we are doing just that?
Dr. Jean Norris
I agree with you, Corinne. If, together with the student, we determine that the time is not right to enroll, then it would only harm the student to pressure them into attending now. In order to help them achieve their goals, which is our ultimate purpose, we need to be sensitive to their needs and what they require in order to be successful. They will respect us for it, and we can respect ourselves.
You are spot on, Brian! We want our students to succeed, and to do everything we can to make sure that happens. Choosing the right school, the right program, schedule and financial package cannot be a "fast-food" experience. Our students are determining the course of their lives, and often with serious financial commitments. Our partnership with them must be completely above-board and transparently honest.
I am very upfront with a person if I cannot offer them any program related to their interest. I will share with them everything I know to help them along their path, even sending them links to helpful sites and information. I will never tell a student to go against their dream. If all of their life they have dreamed of being a teacher, I may help them explore all of the different venues in which they may teach, such as adult education, teaching in healthcare, special education, and even course development. I will help them to explore their interests and passions so that they have a clear picture of the different ways they can achieve their dream, but I will not direct a student away from where their passion lies simply to fit them into a program we offer.
I am with Lauren on feeling like I need to educate myself more on our competitors so I can be sure to point out our advantages and address differences that may be seen as a negative or an obstacle to a student.
I enjoy helping the student explore and discover for themselves what they want and need in regards to pursuing their education. I find that student's really appreciate it when you are willing to help them and continue to speak to them even when our school may not be the best fit for them.
I think if you are able to establish rapport and trust with a student because you were honest with them. The student then knows that you are there to serve their best interest and it's not about your goals. Sometimes when the pressure is on to meet those goals this can be a challenge but the flip side is that the student may end up enrolling in your school because you had their best interest in mind.
It is important for me to give the student the most ethical guidance possible. I feel comfortable offering other options.
In our ideal world, every student we speak with will enroll in our school, but that is just not realistic. We should expect that we won't be every prospect's choice, regardless of how well we do our job. When a student decides not to attend our school, I wish them well and try to leave the door open in case they decide to attend later.
I feel that if you take the time to show a student every option I can go to bed with a free and not guilty conscious .I try to make great decisions in my life and ones that will affect my family in a positive way. I do my do diligent in studying up for any decision and I trust the people that give it to me. So in part “do unto others as you would have them do unto youâ€
It is easy because that expectation is set at the beginning. They know that above all else, I am helping them discover what is best for them.
