Jeanette,
Welcome to the forum, it is good to know that you were able to benefit from the steps given in the course and it is even better that you keep your calls to during reasonable hours only.
Cindy Bryant
For phone inquiries and messages that I receive from students, I always follow up with an informative email with a recap of what we discussed in our conversation, or summary of the program(s) that they may be interested in, as well as an invitation to visit the school for a tour and information session. For mass emails to contacts who have provided me with their contact information, I utilize programs such as Constant Contact which have a built-in opt-out feature for recipients to use if they wish.
Email provides a documented version of the conversation, especially when the subject details with regulatory issues.
I appreciated the three outbound call steps given, however, when telephone calls are initiated by me during reasonable hours.
My most frequently used communication is email because that way I can quickly answer to several concerns and issues at once, plus the fact that I prefer having a track record of my communication if I ever need to refer back to the conversation.
In my current position, I actually speak to most students face-to-face. In order to document the time spent, the student and I have a form that is documented and signed. This enables both the student and I to insure that information is correct.
When I do need to correspond to students that are not active then I use email. This is seldom because most of the students that I have contact with are present.
I use the phone if a student leaves a message but this is seldom, as indicated earlier, most contact is face-to-face.
I have found that there is a mix of students that prefer email or phone calls, so I use both to reach out to students.
I use email most frequently. It is quick and efficient. My job does not require a lot of phone work.
I think communication via email and the mail system is the most critical with your accreditation agencies, that way you always have something in paper to cover your correspondence. With a phone call, you don't have that. That way there is never an issue if a course, program, etc. was approved our not by the accreditors.
I most often use email becuase i can access my email anywhere. I have my computer at home and at work. I also have my phone and my tablet that will always have my email readily available for me.
Freida,
It is difficult to discern a students reaction to the given situation in an email. Also emails can be easily ignored. The telephone is the closest to face-to-face that you may have and at least you can gauge the students reaction to the conversation.
Cindy Bryant
Thuha,
You bring up an important point. Many times students will change their phone number but maintain their email and Facebook account. The only variable is that one requires payment and the other doesn't.
Cindy Bryant
I prefer to speak to a student over the phone. However, most of our students change their numbers so often that we end up not having the most current number on file. I find that I'm more successful in getting a hold of my students via Facebook and/or email.
I also prefer to speak to the student by phone instead of e-mail. It gives me a chance to hear from them what's going on instead of having to wait and see if they call or leave a message with our receptionist.
I generally use email, however, I prefer the telephone because emails don't carry a tone. When you speak to someone directly, you dont have to assume what tone of voice they are using or the genuiness of thier efforts. Although you can use an email as a way of documenting conversations, I have also had phone conversations and followed up with an email as a means of confirmation.
Edward,
It is important to discern whether or not the person is able to complete the program. This requires being a very good listener and picking up on specific cues. Setting a person up for failure does not mirror the integrity and ethics of your school.
Cindy Bryant
I prefer to speak to the students over the phone , instead of e-mail. However since my students are the generation of having texting at hand they prefer to e-mail me instead of having to call and speak to our receptionist.
I usually communicate over the phone. It enables me to detect possible issues which may affect potential students' viability as prospects. One example; I was contacted by a developmentally disabled person who expressed interest in school. during the course of the conversation I suspected that she might not be able to succeed in a post-secondary education environment. I asked for her mother's number, contacted the lady, and confirmed those doubts. I might not otherwise have been able to determine that the prospect was not viable and I avoided a snake's nest of potential violations.
I use email and text messages. Primarily because it is easier to send out an email or text than call someone on the phone. Also, it's a great way to document.
Emails are my most used communication method. The information provided is helpful in being sure the content is compliant.
Most often, I use email. It is an effective and functional form of communication. On one hand it is way of documenting a conversation and on the other it way of clearly getting your message across.
