Tracking Down MIA Grads
Does anyone know of a good way to track down grads that are missing in action? We have exhausted the usual such as phoneathons, mail, certified mail, calling on weekends, skip tracing...
Mayra,
Always a challenge to stay in touch with grads and maintain current contact information. One way that is proving successful is creating an Alumni Community. Keep alumni involved and engaged and you will always know where they are. MaxK offers a course on how to make that happen and how to set up and run an alumni community. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
Reaching out to friends and family of grads works a lot of the times. Also, the school Business Office is a great resource to track down MIA grads.
Yes, the challenge is how to overcome the MIA problem. We suggest staying actively in touch with students throughout their time at your school. And then closely and frequently after graduation. That's why we recommend Alumni Associations. If you offer something of value,and structure your offerings as the school that never leaves you, then grads will have a reason to stay in contact. And not go MIA. Thanks, Susan
What about the students who just will not reply? You call, mail etc... The MIA students negatively effect the placement statistics.
Great point. The reality is sometimes the student thinks the instructor is the school! Sometimes instructors are the only or main people the student has contact with. So very important that instructors be trained in great customer service and know when the student might need help from Student Services. And when the student graduates, encourage instructors to "friend" the students on facebook. It's a great way to stay in touch even when the student changes email, phone numbers, address, etc. Yes, it's a team effort all around. Thanks, Susan
Yes, we have found that if the student had a favorite instructor, they sometimes keep in touch with. The instructors can also assist Placement in locating the graduate.
HI Matt - Really good suggestions. We believe that the best way to track down MIA grads is to act now to get every bit of contact information you can from current students. Then keep in touch with with them on a regular basis when they graduate. SEt up an alumni organization. Then you won't have to deal with MIA grads. As to what to do about the past- decide on much time and $ you want to spend to fix up your data base and track them down. Do what you can, and then focus on today. Good luck, Susan
Social networking sites seem to be key. Ask them for their MySpace or Facebook page (or both). Set one up your self under the schools name and your department and ask them to be a part of it.
HI Bruce
These are all great ideas. Perhaps you can sahre more details about what you have discovered.
It's not only about tracking down MIA grads, it is probably more about keeping in touch with students, grads, and alumni on a regular basis. In that way, if/when their contact information changes, you'll be the first to know. Staying in touch with all students impacts on retention. Students know you care about them and may even see you as a resource and make requests that will keep them in school. When students know yours is a customer friendly school they will tell their friends. Hence an opportunity to increase enrollments through referrals. Grads are also likely to return to your school if you have advanced courses or programs. And when employed they may know of other jobs in their companies. So staying in touch with students through graduation has many benefits. Best wishes, Susan
We use FaceBook, MySpace and IMDB (Internet Movie Database) since we are an audio school. Also former classmates are another excellent source.
HI Andrew
Interesting idea. By references do you mean friends and family members of the student? Or do you mean people who have information about them re their backgrounds, etc.
Thanks, Susan
During the Exit Interview in Financial Aid we require three references. This is typically toward the end of a program, so it is the most updated contact information available. Our Placement Department will sometimes check these references when trying to find the MIA students.
Hope this helps.
HI Carol
This is such a great idea. You might want to send frequent mailings to the grad within 30 - 60 days of graduation. Then if there are changes of address there is a good chance of getting a notice from the post office. Cell phone numbers seem to be pretty consistent. People are very attached to their cell phones.
Best wishes
Susan
We have added a section to our exit interview form that asks for a personal reference/family member. We ask for that persons home phone number and cell phone number. This was added so if the graduate moves and we lose track of them hopefully this personal reference/family member will be able to get us in touch with them.
HI Candace
Sounds like a great idea. If you keep in touch with students and grads it is likely you can keep up with their changes of address.
Best wishes
Susan
Our office goes to the Financial Aid Office for assistance. When a student enrolls they have to list references on their student loan forms. We contact those leads by phone and mail. We call them promoting exciting job leads in their field and mail flyers with some job lead information on it but they have to call our office to apply for those positions. That seems to work for us.
Great idea Teresa. Many marketeers will say that marketing and communication has taken a great leap as a result of the growing number of N Gens(Internet Generation.) Relying on the Internet can reduce marketing expenses. It now requires staff with an Internet state of mind.
Best wishes
Susan
MySpace is an awesome idea! Our school actually has a myspace page. We have graduates as well as, current students as friends. It has helped us keep up with them, as well as, market the school!!
Hi Deloris
Great idea to keep the interest of grads and students by listing job openings. Also think about industry news, opportunities in their field, documented salary potential, and more.
Best wishes
Susan
