Establishing relationships quickly
what are some ways to effectively and ethically get a student to open up and become more comfortable with the new environment?
Christopher,
I think one of the easiest ways to build trust with a student is to first you must be able to adapt. Students should be treated completely professional, but you must also in some way be relateable to them. Remember, to always remain honest. If the student asks a question that you're not sure of, never fudge the answer. Always be completely upfront. I've noticed that it becomes easy for representatives to give a round about answer instead of answering the question directly. I always put myself in the situation of being the student and what answer I would deem acceptable, and acceptable is always a direct and truthful answer. I hope this helps.
some ways for a student to become more effective with a student it to create trust.
Christopher,
Excellent point. What else can taking notes help you with?
Dr. Jean Norris
Rapport during the first call always ensures an easier interview. Keeping notes from the call lets you know some of the hot buttons prior to interview.
open ended questions about the student and teh students life. to talk about them and whenthey are ready talk any questuions they have. People love to talk about their lives.
Ways to get a student to open up are to attempt to build rapport first. Ask probing and open endeed questions, and repeat, rephrase,and reflect.
I like to assure prospective students that I am with them every step of the way. I assure them that they are not alone in their fears or apprehensions about going back to school. If I don't know the answer to any of their questions, I promise to research and find the answer.
Thank you for sharing Lynnette. When you listen to others and ask followup questions, people can see that you care about them and rapport starts to build. I'm curious, what do you do to show an interest in others?
Dr. Jean Norris
Since ppl seem to be what I do best I dont seem to have an issue getting ppl to open up to me. I do find that when you show genuine interest in the person in front of you they just open up and become very comfortable sharing information.
Roberta, you bring up some great points here. It sounds like you are making sure that the students' interests are put first. This will not only build a level of rapport with them, but it will also show them a level of respect and integrity.
Dr. Jean Norris
By being open and honest with them, asking open ended questions to get to know them so you can show genuine concern through repeating questions, body language so they feel more at ease with you. Remember to always make it about them and show them that they are important by active listening and not pre-judging them. For most prospective students, just walking through the front door takes a lot of courage and effort so we need to make them feel comfortable and welcome.
I feel as though this is one of the toughest parts on our job. Being open and upfront with the student at all times really does help. Throughout your first interaction with the student, we need to be understanding and pay close attention to what they are saying so we make them feel more comfortable throughout their time with us.
Great question, Amber. Having an ethical admissions process is essential and it's also important to ensure your effectiveness in what you do. One of the things that you can do to help your student feel more comfortable is to really spend some time getting to know them outside their interest in your school. When you take a sincere interest in another person's life, you are laying a solid foundation to develop a lasting relationship. What are some of your ideas for helping your students get comfortable?
Shannon Gormley
