Trust is important and truth is key to trust because it is the foundation of any honest relationship. I can move someone along (or keep them with me) in an enabling way by telling them the coursework is not difficult, attendance does not matter, or attendance is the only thing that matters, but this shrouds our relationship in a false sense of ease and accommodation.
Truth in grading is important because if a student receives feel good grades which do not reflect their true level of demonstrated learning / ability and then moves to the next level course and cannot do the work, or worse still, graduates and cannot perform expected requirement of the job then the institution has effectively taken that students time and money in return enabling a false sense of accomplishment and a high risk of failure.
Many student I encounter in my role as General Education Program Director and Communications teacher want the truth but do not want to be talked down to or directly told that they are under prepared to do well in college level courses. So the challenge is to show them the truth, which always includes the very true statement that hard work and persistence are sure ways to truly test one's academic ability and to make real gains.
An institution which speaks and acts from a position of truth will always be able to stand by its graduates and be a key part of the greater community in which it exists.
Speaking truth to power is often difficult. Just so, speaking truth to poor performance, under-preparedness / lack of readiness, and inability to balance family, work, finances, and school is often difficult. However, the rewards of doing so include reciprocal (sp) respect, trust, and loyalty among both institution and customer.
This sums it up completely Jennifer
Managing expectations is huge. The students and prospective students love when you are honest with them. There's no surprises later on when it's too late.
Jeana,
Excellent! Managing expectations from the beginning is such an important part of a culture of compliance.
Jay Hollowell
KayLa,
Absolutely, thanks! The positive results from helping students make the right and informed choices about their education far outweigh any knowledge of imperfections.
Jay Hollowell
We actually show our students a realistic expectations video that is very up front with every detail of the program and letting them know what they can expect. It does not sugar coat anything. Some people actually self select out of the admissions process because we tell them it's not easy.
Telling the truth to students is the best marking tool because it can build trust with the student and that student will recommend the school
Good morning! I would definitely agree that integrity is such an important and necessary part of education and admissions. These potential students are coming to your institution to pursue a better life, and they are essentially putting their futures in our hands. It is extremely important to be distinguished and honest. By disclosing all important relevant information, you are helping a potential student to make the right decision. This will ultimately solidify a trusting relationship between the student and the institution, and the impact of the imperfections we make them aware of, will be outweighed by their trust and their desire to want to succeed.
I also feel like when you lie about something, your truth will always come out, and usually it's really messy. Just a lot easier to be truthful.
Integrity is not only the basis of education but should be the basis in life. If a potential student does not trust the school or an existing student loses trust, they tell their friends. I know it could be worse and they could go to the media or accrediting institution. However, word of mouth certainly affects the perception and reputation of the school and employees.
Yes, they will and they will remember the lies more than the truth. Many times it can be a deciding factor if they feel like they have been lied to and it could cause them to spread the word to other students or potential students.
Hi Joseph,
I heard from a colleague once that it is much more costly, in every respect, to lose a customer than to gain one. Your comment, "I would rather gain the trust of a potential student by telling them the truth than looking dishonest and telling half of the truth and misleading them." is right on the mark. If a potential student's informed decision leads to not attending an institution, then so be it. However, if the informed decision is to attend, you already have the basis for a trusting and professional relationship on which to build. And, if we have been honest with students regarding the expectations of their performance in school and on the job, I would think that attrition is much less of a concern - a WIN-WIN situation for everyone involved. Thanks so much for your comments!
Jay Hollowell
Kelly,
This is a WONDERFUL summary of the power of an environment of trust, the number one characteristic of a culture of compliance. Thank you!
Jay Hollowell
In the admissions process, the student is more likely hear what you are saying if you establish trust from the beginning. Students can see through someone dancing around an answer to a question. It is better to answer directly and explain why after the fact. In my opinion, you have one chance to make a great first impression. I would rather gain the trust of a potential student by telling them the truth than looking dishonest and telling half of the truth and misleading them. Admissions across this country are put in this situation every single day, how do you handle losing a student by telling them the truth and potentially losing the enrollment?
Enrolling in a college and applying for and using Title IV is a huge commitment and investment for the prospective student. It is our job as the school's staff to make sure the prospective student is fully informed with honest and factual information, so they can make a well informed decision. By being honest and informative the student can be assured that the staff is concerned with their best interest,and in turn creating a relationship based on trust. This relationship built on trust between the staff and students should be carried throughout the time the student attends, graduates, and works with staff to gain employment. A loss of trust can effect the students performance in the classroom and make them question their decision to go to school entirely. To create and maintain a trustworthy relationship can help our students succeed.
Lizzie,
It is unfortunate when you follow a person that was not effective in their job performance. You spend a lot of time "back peddling" and apologizing for past mistakes. It may take a while to earn respect for your department and/or position but in the end the students will admire you.
Cindy Bryant
As a Director of Financial Aid I know trust is important in anything you do. When I started working at the school, the student didn't have no trust in me. They judge me because of the other person who was in this postion. She had lied to them about their accounts and student wasn't getting their money on time. It was a mess and I had to clean it up, I started by tell them I would be honest with them about everthing concerning their financial aid. Also don't be afraid to come to the financial aid office. I deal with about 100 student by myself at this school. It took awhile,but I have gain their respect by being honest and their trust. To lie is to hurt yourself and other. Honesty save alot of problem for everyone.
When students see a community of trust they feel comfortable to give information that will help the student and staff.
Wendy,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with the forum.
Cindy Bryant
It is easier to tell the truth no matter how hard the situation or mistake may be. When you lie, its makes it much harder to get to the truth and you just keep digging your hole deeper and deeper.
