We encourage students to bring their parents to our Open Houses if they don't invite them to be a part of our enrollment process. It's nice for the parents to see what the student will be doing but great for the student to have support throughout our program.
Parents need to be involved in the process as they will be one of the main support systems for a student. Parents want to feel comfortable that the student is not making a mistake. This will be an important step in their career and they want to see their child succeed.
Yes, parent's play a big role in the decision of their children's schooling. They should be invited to sit in on the interview and tour of the campus so that they get a feel for the institution and understand that their child will be getting the best education possible.
You bring up a great point Leslie in that many prospective students and/or their parents have some anxiety about the enrollment process, especially financial aid. Partnering with both the student and the parent can help ease fears and make the start of school an enjoyable process. Thanks for posting.
We try to get parents involved in the enrollment and financial aid process. It can really make things run smoothly and parents can get questions answered easily rather than making the student the middleman. I find it reduces anxiety for both if the parents come to the enrollment and FA meetings.
Great idea! Keeping parents involved when they are a member of the support team can benefit all parties involved. Has your institution hosted an event like what you have suggested?
I think parents should be invited to some special event that is focused on how much value they are providing to the student as a support mechanism. This event should outline collaborative efforts between the school and the parents to celebrate student success and showcase achievements. Everyone like to feel like they are getting what they paid for.
Parents do have an impact on the students, I agree, but it is always wise to ask the student first if the parents can be included. Sometimes a student will decline the request for reasons of their own.
So true to have parents involved in the process but in the end make sure you are making eye contact with the student not the parent and see what the potential student is reacting. Making sure they’re going to school for themselves and not what the parents will want them to do. IF not there might be a possibility the student does not want to be there and have them drop later. After all we all want what’s best for our children but what they decide will be the last choice. Let’s make it a great impression.
Sophia, I like this idea. Having the parents involved in the experience will certainly build value for them and help them stay engaged with their child.
Dr. Jean Norris
Apsolutly There should be a day for the students to show off what they are accomplishng
It is true parents do have a great influence over thier child's choice of a school. And with the students and parent's opinions and thoughts and a great first experience at the school a positive outcome will be the outcome
John,
Great insight. You're right, in many instances, parents do have a great deal of influence on the student's school choice. Inviting them to be part of the enrollment process is a wonderful way to introduce them to your institution and what you have to offer directly. What ideas do you have regarding customer service geared toward parents at your institution?
Shannon Gormley
