Students' Expectations
I had been a academic administrator in the education private sector for the last eight years and I have to say that sometimes our handling of students expectations are shortsighted. We promised the world to our studentd during the enrollment process and once reality sets down after the hand-off from admission to academics stories quickly change.
Adult learners are usually returning to school in response to changes in their life and after many years of not been enroll in an educational program but this two factors do not make them less knowledgeable or deserving consumers. In all actuallity because of their life experiences they demand a lot more from the institution when it comes to quality of education and services provided.
In summary we must be certain of what we offer our students and that we have what it takes to deliver education and services that meet the expectations of our student.
Remember they are the reason that we are in business!
Jason,
Absolutely! Sounds like the faculty and admissions work closely at your instituion to insure appropriate expectations are established.
Susan Backofen
Susan,
Being on the academic side of this experience, I find that when admissions and faculty are on the same page in regards to expectations the students are expecting to receive, the transition is more streamlined and the adaptability of the student to the classroom setting is less stressful. As faculty, we should build on what admissions creates for our students, but within reason.
This is very true. Many people do not set realistic goals or expectations because they have not been taught to do so. On the first day of school, I often try to explain the experience step by step so they understand the reality of being a student and the reward.
Luis--
Excellent points. As you address, the disconnect between admissions and academics is sometimes significant. It is important to set realistic expectations. This is a key to good retention.
Susan
Students should come with an expectation in mind. I agree with what has been said.
