Leslie, Great point. The student needs to be their own champion for school, since is it their life/decision. Have you seen situations where students do not have the support of their parents?
Dr. Jean Norris
Teaching at a career school, specifically in the area of dental hygiene, the age of the students varies. So it's important to ascertain how much influence the parents have in the process. This needs to be addressed early, so that the customer service to the parent is handled properly!
I agree, it's important for the parents to support their child however, like you mentioned, it is the perspective student's decision to attend school and choose the career they want to persue.
Michele,
Yes, they do. What kind of customer service to you feel they should be provided when they come in with their child?
Dr. Jean Norris
Parents play a big part in decision making for which school their child should attend.
Jamie,
Great insights-- everyone should be treated the same way! Thank you for sharing.
Dr. Jean Norris
Parents should be involved as much as the prospective student will let them be. Students that do not have encouragement from family members are more likely to fail, even if they do start. When parents come along with a prospective student we should encourage them to be involved in the process.
Parents should absolutely be involved whenever possible. I have found through experience that speaking with the parents, who are usually on the same maturity level as myself(usually due to our ages), allows me to speak with them and allow them to then convey the information to their child in the way that THEY know will 'reach' their child. Obviously parents know their children better than I do so to have that bridge present is always beneficial.
Matthew,
At what point do you see the parents being involved?
Dr. Jean Norris
Yes parents should be involved. Many younger student have no idea what they are looking for in life. Then parent being there helps the student decide if this is the right path for them.
Good point Pamela, having a common goal is important so all know the focus. Thank you for sharing.
Dr. Jean Norris
Good point Sean. How do you encourage the student to invite the people that may need to be considered in their decision making process?
Dr. Jean Norris
Whether student wants parent to be involved or parent gets involved on their own, yes parents should be part of the process. Just make sure that both parties understand that the goal is for the student to be successful and that is who the school will focus on.
Absolutely! We try to invite every student's "support system" to visit our campus. Having the parents of a dependent student on campus not only helps in the decision to attend our school, but also in the FA process.
Jason,
Got it! Thanks for sharing!
Dr. Jean Norris
We probe to find out why they do not want to involve their parents and take it from there. Most of the time we are able to provide them with a different perspective on why the parents need to be involved with this important step in their lives, which leads to them bringing their parents in.
Jason,
This is great! I'm curious though - what happens in the situations where they don't want to involve their parents initially though?
Dr. Jean Norris
I used to think the same thing prior to starting in my current position, however, the admissions team here requires the parent's involvement and does so in such a very respectful way, the prospective student very seldomly declines.
You bring up a great point Janice, if a person sees value in something they often don't mind spending more to get that higher value. What can you do to show higher value to the parents of your students?
Dr. Jean Norris
Absolutely! Parents are shareholders like everyone else in the community. However, they are the most influential to our students especially if they are paying. If parents were included, they could provide more insight as to what works and what doesn't from their perspective. Nowadays, parents don't mind spending a little more for their kids if they see where and what their money will be buying and knowing it's for a good cause (kids education).
