During the exit interview, we require students to fill out a new reference form. Usually this gives us additional names and address than was originally furnished during the initial interview.
I like the idea of updating the information and a module or quarterly basis.
When I show the Financial Aid Exit Film, I ask the students to supply the school with any additional references. I also ask them to add any cell phone numbers and email addresses where they might be reached to their exit forms. If the sutdent is currently employed, I ask that they supply the name, address and phone number of their employer.
Some methods we use to collect reference information:
- at time of graduation ask them for three names of peeople that would like to receive a notice of the student's successful completion of their program-- it is good marketing and it is also a way to get reference information
- we ask for "emergency contact info" when the student is initially signing their contract with us-- these emergency contacts are also references that can be used to trace (if required)
