Our admissions processes are fairly comprehensive from mandatory orientation events at least once per cycle, to pre-testing the prospectives to see if they're a good fit for the school and the culinary industry. I suppose we could have continuing orientation events that focus on the students who have been enrolled for a while, as opposed to just the new ones.
Ty,
How does your campus help the student make the transition from prospect to student? Are instructors involved in the admissions process?
Dr. Ron Hansen
Our admissions process is extremely standardized and it seems a bit focused on the fun side of attending our school. Speaking as an instructor, I would like some part of that process to include a serious discussion as to the amount of dedication required to be a successful student and how the ultimate responsibility lies on the student's shoulders. The faculty and staff are there for support. We are not here to simply hand over a diploma as soon as you make a payment. The student has to be dedicated and willing to put in the work to get the most out of the classroom experience. Admissions can sell the dream, but explain to the prospective student the amount of work involved to get there.
Admissions efforts are very important. It is crucial for the Admission Department to remain involved with the student. Admissions is usually the first contact students make with the school.
Our admissons team does a great job. I am, Hhowevr goin to tell those people abot the checklist. Both checklist.
Our current admissions process requires student to complete four necessary tasks: complete the application, submit official high school transcripts or GED scores and records, complete our online college readiness assessment and complete a FAFSA. Our process heavily weighs the college readiness assessment score when being considered for admission. Each student is assigned an admissions and financial aid advisor. Students are free to contact these individuals with questions and concerns. Our admissions team feels that some student success can be predicted based on the interaction and involvement initiated by the prospective student.
Admissions Advisors have reported they offer information to students about their chosen training program and job opportunities only if the student asks for this information. If a prospect has determined a chosen major and is confident in their choice coaching in career and future plans occurs after a student has been enrolled and started courses. Advisors are trained and given materials to inform students of opportunities if asked.
I do feel our admissions process can be improved to increase student retention. One way our admission process could improve is by requiring a minimum GPA for incoming students. While the college readiness assessment is a great tool a GPA and CRA combination would account for a historical and longer picture of academic results as well as a current assessment of motivation. Besides increasing the CRA score another idea to improve our student retention is to require students to submit their transcripts from previous college attempts. Some of our students are not able to achieve this because of balances with other schools. Not only would we set an example we would require our students to demonstrate commitment and responsibility. To assist with this we could improve and automate the way transcripts are requested. Another suggestion for improving retention is requiring all students without college transcripts to complete placement tests for English, Math and computer courses. We do have a checklist of questions to ask however I would like to see addition in questions as well as revisit the questions with possible additions to promote student fit. Several of our students have attended multiple schools before applying for our school. These students are asked to complete an enrollment letter, however if they submit the letter we can’t deny them even if they have limited financial aid and no secondary way to pay for classes. I would like to see us have documented ways the student plans to pay for the amount of courses they wish to take before admission is granted. The last way I can think of to improve retention is to improve the handoff from the admissions advisor to our academic and career advisors. At this point students are told they will be receiving a call from these individuals a week before classes start. I would like to have students assigned to their long term advisors immediately after acceptance into the school. I would like to see a more seamless transition process to help the student get to know their long term advisors and build a relationship with the school.
A preparedness checklist would aid greatly in our admissions process. Too often I find the students have not considered what support they need to get through the program.
I would like to see more interaction between Instructors and Admissions while the Admin folks have tours or presentations within our facility.
I believe that the admissions staff would be improved by more comprehensive training on what the school offers. By listening to the discussions with prospective students, I often hear reps. give false information .... not to be misleading but because they have little knowledge about what we teach. The result is unrealistic expectations from the students and a higher drop out rate...
Dennis,
Good for you. Always try to link.
Dr. Larry Banks
It seems our admissions process is always being fine tuned in one way or another. I am not directly involved but do play an important part during our open house activities with informative presentations.
Theresa,
You got it. It all works together, doesn't it.
Dr. Larry Banks
Yes I believe cooperation with Academics is critical. I understand that the Admission department has an enrollment requirement but Academics has a retention goal.An understanding of the program they are promoting to the student is critical. I have implemented a departmental product knowledge for my new students so there aren't any misconception of excactly what is required of them and what they will be doing once they graduate from the program.
melissa,
This is so important... do all that you can to not mislead students. Sounds like you are on the right track.
Dr. Larry Banks
Our admissions process could be helped with several things. First of all the representatives have to have a better understanding of what we really offer here. Secondly, the perspective students shouldnt be promised things or mislead for a sale! My administration is working on training the reps to provide real information instead of fantasy.
The reps also should be familiar with equipment and clinical skills that students will be required to perform so that questions can be answered before they sign up.
Sheila,
A checklist is a great idea. I know, this is an issue. You have to be careful about the law and what you say. All you can do is give that person a chance.
Dr. Larry Banks
The current admissions process uses a checklist to ensure that students receive information and steps are not missed. Program Directors provide product knowledge training to the admissions representatives so the information is accurate. A recent dilemma has left me with a question on how the process can be improved. A very obese student candidate applied for the dental assisting program. While laws prevent discrimination, it is possible that equipment cannot be purchased to accomodate this student. A research of numerous dental chairs resulted in an ability to find a chair that could be purchased to accomodate the student's weight capacity. Secondly, working space in dental offices are often very limited and it is highly unlikely the student could find employment as a dental assistant. How can the law on discrimination be preserved and still assist this student find a career choice that may be more suited to his/her physical limitations?
pamela,
The idea is to carry the baton together. You are so right, all departments are linked and need to work together... especially in the first two terms.
Dr. Larry Banks
Admissions will always have room for improvement, as do all departments. We do a great job of "onboarding" our students and getting their funding set up, schedules created, and all of those other important "first steps." However, I do not see enough follow through once the students have started classes from the overall department, though individual admissions reps often follow up.
Admissions can always use improvement. I think that we tend to get students in a bit too fast to keep up the bottom line which is also important. However, just a little more care so that students get a better idea of where they are going and what they are getting into. I think this would maximize their success by placing them in the best careers possible.
