During the admissions interview process is a good time to ask questions geared towards why a student is enrolling in school. On the first day of school our instructors will have the students introduce themselves and tell why they enrolled in that particular program. If we can identify those students early on who may not want to work, either we counsel them out of the program or the instructors work very hard to motivate them.We obviously don't want to lose anyone; the reality is we cannot reach everyone who is in the classroom. You and other staff members may want to have a brainstorming session to try and figure out why a person would come to school and not want to work and then try and figure out how to help them. For the most part we found that they are scared or that this is the first program that they have gone through, completed and just wanted to know if they could do it. Some students may simply want a trade because they may question their future with a spouse and want to have something to fall back on. When I ask a student why they have chosen a program and their reply is "I just wanted something to do or my parents said that I either work or go to school", those can be red flags. I also keep waivers to about 10 % and under. Explain to a student that even if he/she sign a waiver, it is not permenent and they can return for placement assistance when they need to.
Hi Patricia
There are clearly students that a waiver is applicable for. Examples are those who are already working or those who are ill and cannot work. However, we have to be careful to avoid using waivers for difficult students. The difficult students point to the fact that perhaps something in the employment skills training or placement process has to be updated.
Best wishes,
Susan
I have to agree that a waiver form can come in handy with graduates that are not able or not willing to find employment in their field of study. Although, most waiver forms are limited to what can be considered as a true waiver, they can be most helpful for difficult cases. Many times we try to work with the student and find something of interest to them that maybe considered a related field rather than waiving them.
Hi John
Massage therapists have several choices in employment including working for others or building their own practice. Each takes a different focus when teaching employment skills and methods for seeking a job. A grad planning to open a practice or work on his/her own needs skills on how to open, market, and run the business.
Susan
I encourage then no matter what, to atleast do it part time/private clients. We teach massage therapy,I'm not sure that can apply this to everyone.
John
HI Teresa
It's a challenge to meet placement statistic requirements and at the same time respect the student. And respect the fact that some people want to learn for learning sake! Some regulatory bodies allow students to sign a letter saying that they enrolled with no employment goals.
Best wishes
Susan
This sounds like a great idea! I too have often been frustrated over students who are here for their hobby or whatever. The only feedback I've received when asking about this can be summed up like this, "they don't want to hear excuses for the unplaced, your job is to place them" O.K. So, I'm suppose to force them into a job? Was my response. So, this gives me something to look into, thank you!
Hi Chris
Maybe a way to deal with unmotivated students is to post placement success for all other students. And make placement services and personnel very accessible. Some students may be shy or may not think the placement services are for them.
Best wishes
Susan
You can't help those who do not want to be helped. The best thing to do is to simply focus your efforts on those students who really do want your help. This scenario is more of a win win situation. Fortunately, the students who do not want your help are not in the majority which still allows you to meet your placement quota.
Thank you. I don't know why but it works.
Richard
Your right--I just knew ACCET because thats who my previous college used. I am not sure about my new college.
Great statement--I will have that on my wall!
There is an old saying that I use on my students who don't seem to want jobs. "SECCESS STOPS WHEN YOU DO". For some reason, very soon, there they are at my desk. It works all the time.
Richard
Thanks for the info. There may be some additional info to know about waivers for each accreditation board.
Susan
Thanks Hildie
Great advice. Now a goal is to motivate the professional students to make them productive and contributing. But that's another story.
Best wishes
Susan
HI Amy
You might want to ask the students who don't want jobs what their enrollment goals were. You might make some interesting discoveries. Maybe there are other ways to market your programs.
Best wishes
Susan
Thank you so much! We are researching to see what our accreditation board says about it.
I have always found that you will have students that are not looking for work. They came to school because their parents told them to do so. They came to school because the government will pay child care if student. And you always have those that are lifetime students. I have my students sign a waiver if they are not planning on using the placement department. If you keep track of your waivers and keep it under 15% of total graduates those few people will not hurt your numbers. Also some Accrediting agencies will allow you to subtract those people off of your numbers all together---YOU MUST HAVE DOCUMENTATION SIGNED BY STUDENT.
ACCET will allow you to use as many as 15% of waivers.
