Thuha,
An important phase in building the foundation of a school is doing due diligence. Part of due diligence is conducting a marketing analysis that would focus on employment opportunities.
Cindy Bryant
With our current economy, I think schools need to really look at lowering the number of students that can enroll to make sure that the Career Services department can realistically help the graduates find jobs.
Schools should really do research to make sure that there is a job market demand for the program that is offering.
I have worked for schools that have been disclosing the placement rates. I think it's important for the prospective students to know the placement rates. Most of the students enroll because they are looking for a quick change in their lives and an opportunity to start a new career so they can support their families and themselves. I've heard of horrible stories where students owe over $30,000 in tuition and were not able to find a job.
Yes I do believe that the focus on employment outcomes has intensified. I believe that the economy is a driving force. More and more students are starting to graduate college with extreme student loan debt and are unable to find work to help pay back their student loans. And they are unable to find work because of the current state of the economy.
Yes, the focus as intensified because of the current the statistics of high unemployment. Students need to be prepared and given the tools to be successful in the workforce. There is an ongoing competitive pool of applicants for jobs; therefore, graduates need to be trained as the best applicants for their particular fields of work.
Jennifer,
When it comes to outcomes, as an industry, what can we do to change the mindset of the media and the public?
Cindy Bryant
I beleive that the focus on employment outcomes has increased due to all the misrepresentation from vocational schools about job placement in the recent times
Edwin,
Most, if not all, accrediting agencies require that schools report their rates. It is very good to know that some agencies have reduced their rates to align them with the current industry standard.
You are right disclosing to the student is a new process for some schools. Many schools feel like such disclosure has negatively impacted their ability to enroll students what is your position on this critical area?
Cindy Bryant
Actually I believe it has always been in the forefront of my accrediting agency. We just have not had to disclose it until the new regulations. Additionally which was a surprise to me we recently received our new minimum employment rates and they have actually reduced them. Again I think we have always been held accountable for our employment rates with appropriate documentation so I do not believe that it has become more intensified.
paula,
In such an intense environment how is a school able to overcome those uncontrollable variables, such as economic downturns?
Cindy Bryant
Yes, the intensity has defenitely increased and
I think that the economic downturn and the
inability of many highly educated people or graduates from skilled trades programs,to secure a good paying job has contributed to people questioning the cost of education and the ensuing loan indebtedness.
Social media have made it a lot easier for people to voice their opinions and politicians and regulators are paying attention and are trying to
address these issues through new regulation.
Yes, I do believe the focus on employment outcomes have intensified. I think the driving force behind this is multi-faceted. the USDE, states, and accrediting bodies are wanting assurance that school programs are leading to successful outcomes and schools with successful outcomes secure future funding and future enrollment by the reputation of successful outcomes. I also think what has been commonplace in the for-profit education environment in this reqard is more and more becoming a standard in the non-profit and private education sector. Everyone wants to see successful educational institutions demonstrating accountability for our mission and our outcomes.
