At my institution the director of admissions as well as campus management review compliance components related to admissions and marketing that are listed in our cataloged to ensure compliance by both seasoned advisors as well as new admission's advisors.
A lot of our programs do required state license, so we do a lot of training to communicate the must accurate information to the student for them to realize what would be the next step after graduation. Preparing student for this it is very important and universities should be more responsible about making the student prepare to face the outside world. Creating workshops and seminar for the students could be a good idea.
i reviewed every aspect of our catalog, but i review more close the programs and tuition requirement because i want by prospect to be very inform about their career and how much they will be investing when they get in our program.
I reference the course description and course length most frequently. Students are most interested in the skills they will learn in each program and how long it will take them to complete.
We also frequently reference to the programs and courses length time and prices. This is absolutely the most commonly asked questions. Our admissions team is great as well and if they need any clarification on anything they always come to get the correct information.
We conduct periodic reviews of our course catalog (at least quarterly) and our Director does mock interviews with us to ensure we are providing the correct information to prospective students at all times. Sometimes he will sit in on an interview with an actual student and review our procedures. It keeps us on our toes. I am also going to "steal" an idea on this post and start reviewing the catalog at our morning sales meetings once a week - that is a great idea.
Carrie,
I must commend your campus for taking compliance so seriously. As a trainer for many years, two of my goals in training sessions are to have fun and to inspire my participants to find ways to improve when they get back on the job. Since most employees appreciate the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills, as a trainer, why not make it fun, so it will stick? I personally like to create and plan activities that are fun but also serve as learning tools. Hats off to your trainer.
Cindy Bryant
At our campus, we review our catalog on a regular (usually weekly) basis and often use fun games in our meetings to help us review and retain information in the catalog.
Alejandra,
You mention having a meeting to revise the catalog, how often does your campus review and revise the catalog to ensure that the document is compliant?
Cindy Bryant
I review the catolog with everything student. Indicating important information to them on an individual basis, depending on what is important to them.
Most students inquire about transferability of credits, tuition cost, length of program, duration, course content or description
Having meeting to revise the vision, mission and rules about the institution
Usually students what to know when during their schooling thet will be learning what topic. Our catalog has the intormation very well displayed to it is very easy to help the student.
The most common questions are regarding to programs offered, course descriptions, credits, tuition, and schedules.
I most often look to the catalog for specific courses pertaining to certain programs. Many students will ask about the course, what they are about, and sometimes ask general information pertaining tot he program itself (i.e. program length, requirements, etc.).
Anna,
I have also experienced students who ask questions regarding their program details. Generally program details are discussed prior to enrollment but many times students fail to remember the details.
Cindy Bryant
I seem to frequently reference the programs and courses, length and credit hours. I find that these are the first questions prosepctive students ask.
Most frequently I am looking at course offerings and tuition by program. I also use attendance requirements when doing attendance counseling. I refer to the catalog frequently to advise at risk students.
Marie,
Thank you for joining the forum. It is good to know that as an FAO you rely on the catalog for the administration of federal aid. It furthermore proves the need for all catalogs to be updated and in compliance.
Cindy Bryant
Working in financial aid, I most often reference the academic program area of the catalog. I use this area so often to ensure that my students are packaged for only required classes and to identify the number of remaining credits to be funded. I also often reference the Refund and SAP policy. Students often don't understand the policy or how it works. The catalog helps me keep the discussion 'as a matter of regulation and policy' rather than personal. It also helps the student to understand that this information is readily available.
