Entrance and Exit Interviews!
Which ways are more effective when doing Entrance and Exit interviews online or one on one with students?
Treva,
Having the opportunity to ask questions is very important. No online presentation or website can cover all of the complex work and family scenarios that students may face, and while we offer contact information, we know that many students will not pursue questions beyond the online session. In click-through entrance counseling, many borrowers absorb only the minimum facts necessary to pass the quiz, and they do not seriously consider how the information will affect their lives. If we meet with them in-person, we can help personalize the presentation and tailor the conversation to the students’ particular needs.
Kellee Gunderson
I agree. It is a great opportunity for students to ask questions, as well as for the school to verify and document that everything was thoroughly covered with student.
Melissa,
I like this approach because it ensures the personal touch but also allows students to review and digest information individually at their own pace. Online quizzes and presentations are great for summarizing key points, and the in-person interviews allow students to ask questions and to share their concerns with you.
Kellee Gunderson
We have our students complete both entrance and exit counseling online but we hold one on one entrance interviews and group exit interviews before they can go online.
Kelly,
You make a great point about repetition. I know that when I am provided with a lot of information (particularly financial data), I need time to process it. If students and their families are given the opportunity to review information at home and come back to us with questions, the outcome will be better. Online entrance/exit quizzes are too quick and easy to dismiss, while a meaningful counseling session with a caring FA officer creates the opportunity for an ongoing relationship.
Kellee Gunderson
We are a very small school as well. I agree with Jennifer that in person counseling is best if possible, more often than not the counseling brings many additional questions regarding loans. Students seem to not retain as much of the information when they hear about the loans during their first visit, which is why the entrance counseling is very important it reiterates everything and brings the thought of borrowing and having to pay back the loans to reality
Rebecca,
Good point! 'Online' can have different meanings, so online counseling is not necessarily a bad thing. We can make use of online tools and content provided by servicers or the Department of Education, but this does not prevent us from also providing students with one-on-one counseling and a welcoming environment. Thank you for the reminder that online does not have to equal impersonal.
Kellee Gunderson
We do ours online, but for all of the exits and some of the entrances, we have the students complete it online here at the school. We can assist with any questions at that point and make sure they are understanding any questions/topics that confuse them.
This is definitely the best possible approach! Quizzes attached to online tutorials are not a very good way to gauge a student’s understanding. If you have the opportunity to meet one-on-one, you can discuss challenges unique to the individual student (based on family situation, grades, job outlook, etc.), and elicit feedback from him or her that demonstrates real understanding of the information you present.
Rosezza,
If you have the resources to offer one on one entrance and exit counseling to students it should be utilized to the fullest. Building the relationship and ensuring the student leaves with a full understanding will only help in the long run.
Cheryl Kesson
I believe that the one on one approach is the best option to do your entrance and exit interviews. It allows you to see if the student truly understands and you also can answer any questions the student may have. I know that all school are busy and online is fast and easy but to me the student comes first.
I think this is a great idea! Even if you are not able to utilize online or video chat specifically for entrance and exit interviews, it would still be an excellent idea to make students aware that this option is available for informal counseling and ad hoc questions. Adult students and those with children or full-time jobs might never find the time to stop by your office when they need help, but offering additional ways to reach the financial aid office could make a big difference for a student that is struggling.
Kellee Gunderson
Anthony,
This is an interesting idea and not one I have heard discussed before. It seems like it would be a good way to personalize the interview with online students or students who could not make it to a one on one meeting.
I would suggest checking the regulatory requirements and doing some research to see if this would be an acceptable option.
Cheryl Kesson
I like the idea of personal interviews, but can't that be done online too? Skype or any other live chat?
It is great that you are able to meet one-on-one with students! You are also providing a great service by helping them locate their loans and navigate the servicer’s website. Over the years, we have seen too many borrowers send checks to the wrong company or submit payments to only one of multiple servicers. Helping students avoid this sort of confusion sets them up for success.
Jessica,
It's great to have options available for the students so they can pick what they are most comfortable with and how they learn best.
I love hearing that schools take the time to make sure a student is set up with a profile for their loan servicer and also help them navigate through. This should help avoid the "I didn't know where to go" and "I could't figure it out" excuses.
Cheryl Kesson
Our students have the option of doing their exit interview online, in my office, or on a one-on-one with me. Either way I am right there in case they have questions or need futher explination. It gives me the chance to make sure they understand the consequences of defaulting on their student loans. I go as far as to show them who their loan servicer is and help them set up a user profile in order to enable them to make online payments and/or set up an auto payment schedule.
Laura,
Facebook is proving to be a great way to reach out to students for schools. Having a school page for students to "like" can keep you in contact with them. With so many people having this on their phones often times you can connect as quickly as you could if you attempted to call.
Cheryl Kesson
Multiple ways to get them is great! Facebook is a good way to try too. A lot of students rarely check their school email, so we send it to both emails if we have them!
