The media has definitely try to taint career colleges and what we have to offer to so many potential students.
I was an instructor at a 2 year state college for eight years. I have been school director for over two and half years and there is a major difference in the standards that a career college must uphold.
I believe that we must give all students a different route for their educational needs. We must ensure that our instructors are meeting the needs of our students on a daily basis.
We must ensure that we as an institution are following and and forcing all federal, state and our accreditations policies and procedures.
By doing this we should receive a more positive feedback from the media.
Russell,
Agreed - and I think the schools can assist reporters in "finding" graduates by doing press releases, etc. during graduation and commencement related events. Just remember to be cautious when releasing or publishing graduate lists in case you have any students/graduates that have requested their name NOT be released as part of the directory information clause within FERPA.
Traci Lee
I would like to see news reporters find graduates that have successfully completed a program to interview. Asking questions like overall satisfaction after completion of program, placement opportunities provided by institution, skills gained from successful completion, career advancement after completion, etc…
Yamira,
Schools have definitely come together through organizations such as APSCU (and others) to help create awareness of the positive outcomes of many types of colleges. I think we need to keep up the momentum to continue this awareness current.
Traci Lee
Well several radio and television programs has emphasized certain opportunities for improvement of the educational industry. But not necessary the information diminished was complete or reflect a holistic reality of the facts communicated. I learned in the training that trying to balance this reality that impact negatively the, APSCU is very active communicating complementary information. Actually the most recent vaccated legislation was as result of the APSCU legal case filed against Mr. Arny Duncan, Secretary of ED.
It has promoted a "culture of compliance" within the education industry. Forcing and/or reminding institutions of the need for solid auditing guidelines to ensure regulatory adherance, as well and institutional integrity.
Carly,
Great point on the importance of recognizing that notes recorded should be done professionally! As for documentation from internal audits, I will be anxious to see other responses for best practices. I have seen some schools protect internal audit reports themselves by including an attorney or internal counsel with appropriate disclaimers on those documents. Any resulting actions tied to specific student records would likely follow standard protocols for updating the file accordingly. For example, if a finding required refunding some amount of money to a student or for Title IV funds, there should be some inclusion of a reference for what prompted such refund after the regular process to indicate why it was done later than the original process. I look forward to seeing other comments as these are great questions!
Traci Lee
I know that it's been mentioned several times, but disgruntled students' responses are often to go to the media. From an audit and compliance perspective, when the media is involved, or even if complaints have been made to other agencies, records are overwhelmingly important. State Departments of Education, programmatic accreditors, institutional accreditors, etc. always request copies of files, any additional documentation from institutional portals/databases. In this manner, it is crucial to have appropriate records that are compliant, so as to support the university's actions. From personal experience, notes in the student database are helpful; however, when entering notes about interactions with students, one must always remember that these references can be public record. While we want to be thorough in our discussions, we must never include a personal bias or slant. My question is this: What happens when the institution changes internal policies and procedures between internal audits? How shall we document this update in every student's record? Or can we rely on the information that has been disseminated by the corporate offices if the practices every come into question? I appreciate any feedback that anyone may deliver!
Allison,
Well said! I think a commitment to corrective action and applying lessons learned helps demonstrate a commitment to ethics, compliance and accuracy.
Traci Lee
Paul,
It is frustrating that the very source of comments about needing trained students are quick to call out problems. I like when I see schools submit positive press releases - graduation results, highlights of a successful grad, etc. that end up being published to offset some of the negative publicity.
Traci Lee
I think it's important that we remember that we are all human and we all make mistakes. It's how we handle those errors that shows our desire for efficiency and accuracy. And I think the hope is that we learn from those errors and don't continue to make the same mistakes twice. The media and society love drama. Anytime we can place blame on someone or some thing, makes for good TV.
The media is quick to blow the whistle on many propriatory schools. They are quick to call out low placement rates but are still the first one's to claim we need more skilled trade workers. The media needs to understand many schools are out to better train students especially those not fit for traditional college
Alexander ,
You are so right - the viral potential with today's media options has changed the impact and timing of issues which may arise.
Traci Lee
The Media coverage of negative comments from students or employees in some cases, will play a vital part regarding influence of regulatory agencies. The viral effect in today's enviorment can make any local issue a national nightmare in minutes.
Media has brought to light both positive and negative aspects of education industry. while many network and published articles tend to focus on what an institution has done incorrectly, these investigations also allow schools to proactively correct or adapt their regualtions for compliance.
Like with any type of business we have to use best practices to improve. Hopefully this information is found, corrected(if needed) and shared prior to a negative incident occuring.
Amanda,
Well stated - definitely pros and cons to some of what schools are experiencing.
Traci Lee
Kristen,
Good point about how various television shows and celebrities has influenced education. I have heard from several employees at culinary schools about how food related channels and celebrity chefs have positively impacted their schools. It's a good reminder that when we get consumed with some of the negative side that there is also a positive opportunity for many schools and programs based on current trends, expanded media options, etc.
Traci Lee
The media has put educational regulations under a microscope.
Any violation, be it from human error or malicious intent, is broadcast for the world to see which puts intense pressure on both the regulatory bodies as well as the educational institutions.
Positive - ensures all schools are held to the same high standards
Negative - can jeopardize the integrity of a school based on incomplete information from media source
Media will always be a Catch 22.
I've found that media can be both helpful and harmful to a school and its functioning.
For example, Dr. Oz has been touting the benefits of holistic living, which includes various forms of massage for stress relief. Many prospective students have been mentioning his name and a few others in the field, when applying. It's been useful in helping to recruit.
On the flip side, even the slightest negative comment about the massage field can sway both prospective students and regular students alike. We have found that though the trend for massage therapy (especially in a recession/depression) is growing in my region, "officials" and those who think that they know the field, will say otherwise and dissuade those truly interested in massage therapy. It is a cause of concern for the students.
I think advertising with negative impact from the media was already thoroughly covered. I think the most that we can do is to keep putting out good/positive news so that viewers can have an informed choice, instead of just an opinion on their computer.
We all know that negative reporting seem to get attention faster than anything positive. Because the media report stories of issues that may have occured at a college to the public, I'm sure the regulatory agencies receive calls from the public regarding the issue. Possibly some issues that come up may call for regulatory intervention.
If it's something that impacts enrollment, financial aid, college polices.
