Interesting point Blaire. I'm curious, what options have you responded with in the past?
Dr. Jean Norris
The most difficult challenge I hear is child care concerns. I am unable to relate to this problem at this point in my life, and can fully understand a parent not being comfortable with a lot of the day care options.
Great information Jocelyn. It sounds like you are working with the students to understand their goals and ultimately overcome the challenges that they may be facing in their life currently.
Dr. Jean Norris
Great point George. The student's support system also needs to be taken into consideration. It is important to build rapport with them as well, which it sounds like you do. Keep up the good work.
Dr. Jean Norris
Students who attend 'clock hour''for profit schools' have seen their Title IV Federal Funding decrease by nearly 1/2 since July 2011 and new federal regulations.
The new 'partnership' of the student providing some of the tuition and the government providing the other through the Stafford Loan Program and Pell Grant (if the student is eligible) has caused additional financial pressure on the student in this recessionary times.
With a bleak job market in this area, students are faced with the reality that the timing to attend school (and get ahead in a career) may not be now.
It is our role in Admissions to support the 'dreams' and the goals; it is the role of our Financial Aid Department to support the tuition planning options.
The economy is blind to age, background, educational credentials, motivations, etc. Under- employment and unemployment have created the optimal environment to return to school to get the training necessary to enter another field- one that is thriving - in our case, healthcare.
What can we do in Admissions to bridge the crushing reality of this economic times? The 'dream' leads to a career which is economic independence with a broad ripple effect.
I am in 110% agreement with Wendy. We want the buying committee to be part of the process. In most cases they are family and will be involved with the decision process. The prospect student in most cases is trusting that family member or close friend to assist them as they make a very important life decision.
I always get the buying committee involved to make sure they are supportive. As you seek agreement all parties need to be on the same page!
Thank you for sharing your experience Wendy. It sounds like you use guests as an opportunity to uncover any concerns or questions that perhaps the student themselves didn't think of. Great point.
Dr. Jean Norris
I disagree. The friend or family members are the buying committee. I ask them questions too. I want to hear their concerns while we're all together. I want all that stuff out in the open while we're meeting. That way, I can address any (hidden) issues and help guide the process for a positive outcome.
Then, if I get everyone excited, it's a beautiful thing.
Money is always an issue for most of the students I work with and for me it's hard because there is nothing I can do for them, other then help them try to find a solution to this program. I will incourage them to file their FAFSA, then once that comes back we sit down and go over other funding options together, as I like to have my students know that they can always talk to me and count on me for support.
Holli, thanks for sharing this. Yes, finances tend to be a large concern for most. It sounds like you empathize with your students' situations. I'm curious, what are some of the solutions you present to your students when discussing finances?
Dr. Jean Norris
Things have definitely changed recently in the way of finances for our students. With the recent changed in legislature it is hard to cover our tuition with just grant and loans and in todays economy applying and being approved for an alternative loan is very difficult. Our students have no jobs and cant get funded and have no way of making cash payments. This is definitely a difficult topic for me everyday as I see the pain in their eyes when we can't help soeone.
You're not alone with this challenge, Viene. Many admissions professionals find that discussing tuition can be challenging at times. The important thing is to not avoid addressing this challenge. One suggestion if you sense that cost is a concern, is to give the student the tuition amount and ask "is that about what you expected?" The student can reply in one of three ways - yes, no, or whoa that's a lot of money. If the response is "whoa that's a lot of money" ask the question "compared to what" to gain an understanding of their baseline comparison. Once you have that information, you'll have a better idea of where to go next with your student.
Dr. Jean Norris
Financial issues is the most challenging topic I always encounter. It's somewhat personal but at the same time very important to be addressed and talk about.
Thacha,
Wonderful awareness. Addressing financing and cost can be a challenge for many admissions professionals. One way that you might consider addressing cost/money would be to find out if: a) it's what they expected and b) what they're comparing the cost to. Once you have an idea of those, you can ask questions to fully explore any concerns associated with cost in an open and honest discussion with your student.
Shannon Gormley
Excellent approach Mike. Thank you for sharing.
Shannon Gormley
The one thing that i find most difficult to address would be MONEY! Ive just always had an issue discussing peoples financial situation. Its hard for me to not let my heart get involved instead of just stating the facts and letting them know its going to be XYZ. Im learning that I can't help everyone!
Well, now there's no question that I address it at the forefront. I acknowledge and answer their question. After I make sure they comprehend what I'm explaining, I follow up with another question to see if they have any further issue concerning that.
Great insight, Mike. I get the sense that you've taken some of the suggestions in this course to help address the cost challenge. What are some of the specific things you plan to do to address this with students in the future?
Shannon Gormley
Probably the most difficult challenge I would face in my previous role would be being asked what the cost of attendance of the program was right at the beginning. It was challenging because we were always taught to use a script and you would lose your train of thought.
It's absolutely right to think that red flags would be raised if you don't address concerns up front.
Now, I have learned from those issues and deal with them properly.
Belinda,
Today's economy has certainly been a challenge for many individuals when looking to make a change in their life. Understanding what it is that your student is concerned about in regards to finances is important. When you take the time to develop your relationship with the student, you help to establish yourself as a trusted partner that they can talk things over with. And you have the chance to offer resources that might be helpful to your student, whatever their decision may be.
Shannon Gormley
