It has to start from the front office
I believe when the student enrolls in the program we should (instructors) meet with the student one on one to discuss his/hers concerns, family issues, studying habits....
This is a great idea. With our school the instructor does not meet with each applicant but the program director does. It really gives me the opportunity to get to know the student.
The admissions representative meets the student first once he/she see that our school would be a good fit for the student he will than see the financial aide department for an overview as well as meeting the admission director. The only time that there has been rejection is if the student does not meet our requirements which is having a high school diploma or GED.
It's wonderful that you and your faculty member want to meet students before they start. In my experience, this is quite unusual.
Where does your meeting fit into the admissions procedure? Is it an individual meeting or do you meet a group of prospects? Have you ever rejected an applicant based on your interaction? Have you been able to move people off the fence and into class?
As a program director I think it is very important that our first module instructor along with myself be given an opportunity to meet all new potential starts. I know that in many cases we would like to have students cancelled or reversed but once we recieve them in education they are considered a start. So, I just like the opportunity then to be proactive in assisting a student with a potential obstacle that may keep them from completing the program.
I 100% agree that everything starts from the front desk. I am the front desk receptionist and I always like to make sure that all who visits the school feels warm and welcome and greet them with a positive attitude. I truly believe that it all starts with the first impression.
I believe this would make a positive effect on prospective students. If we could involve an instructor as part of the admissions process, this would help gain the students interest a lot more.
Starting students before they have clearly identified their objectives is not a good practice. What is the process for them to determine what program they want? How much flexibility is there for students to change from one course of study to another?
Finally, what can you do to bring this problem to the attention of those who can evaluate the problem?
I like when I meet new students who are eager to enroll, but sometimes I notice that students are quickly pushed through the system without any regard on how the student feels. I've seen admissions reps enroll students who weren't exactly sure what program they wanted yet, but were forced to start somewhere. I feel that it's becoming a problem when an admissions rep is quick to push a student into enrolling because of the pressure of hitting their numbers.
Pre-enrollment events might be a reasonable compromise. Invite students to come to the school to see work presented by advanced students or presentations by professionals from the field.
This gives the student insight into the field and also gives the faculty an opportunity to interact with them before they start class.
Orientation might be another time when faculty could get to know the incoming students.
I think that this is definitely something worth shooting for, but I know that it's not a practical solution at our school.
I do, however, agree that students should be met at the front door and I think that the same goals can be accomplished if the admissions representatives or other people who serve as a first point of contact are adequately trained. Often challenging the student on his or her goals or plans to complete school can help to uncover hidden fears or misperceptions. This will likely lead to a more productive interaction between students and teachers later on in the course also.
Just my two cents,
Haley
That is a wonderful idea, but often it is not always practical. When instructors are teaching a full load of classes, they don't always have time in their schedules to meet with all potential students. At our school, the Dept. Chairs try to meet with any students that have questions or concerns. As instructors, we sometimes get a chance to meet a potential student when the Admission rep is giving them a tour.
What are the barriers to making this happen? Could you start the practice with the hope that others will follow your example?
I think meeting with prospective students would be helpful for them and for the instructor
