retention at admission
I agree the more the student knows about school the help he can get the activities all of these pertain to retention I beleive all schools should have an orientation and I believe it should not be a chore I seen some people work through the process as fast as possible just to get it done this is a mistake
Perfect. Remember, 96% of you students have educational goals aligned with a career. The research is pretty clear on that.
Dr. B
The process is critical to learn the goals of the prospective student. If the student has an academic goal that is in line with their career objectives they have a better chance to complete the college program. Also, talking to the student about what employers are looking is helpful information for the student. In the classroom instructors can have guest speakers that can speak to students about real workplace issues in certain careers.
I agree that ensuring everyone: admissions, enrolling students and academics are using the same term with the same meaning is crucial. Often the departments use the same word differently.
I also think that my telling it like it is from the academic/classroom side upsets other departments because reality is not what they wanted discussed at that moment in the hallway.
We do have the same goals - graduation!
You know, informal moments help to build relationships, too. I love your hallway discussions. The key is to link all departments in order to build strong student relationships.
L
Our admissions staff grab faculty or program directors to meet and discuss the programs with new or prospective students when they see us in the hallways or in the building. This has been helpful to engage the prospects rigth off the bat since they are meeting and interacting with someone in their program of choice immediately. The faculty or program director that teach the classes or run the program are in the best position to answer any and all specific questions that a student might have and give the best possible answer.
Jump start is an excellent idea if all departments are linked in the program. Linkage is what will result retention.
Dr. B
i have set through a jump start program and i know these students are being prepared for there classes they have a tendacy forget the rules
It does seem like a chore at certain times. I believe that everyone in the building should be a part of the orientation process (including current students). And follow the students through the program. It seems sometimes once the admissions rep gets them in the door, they are no longer interested in the student.
Agreed. And, this is a critical process. So, how do you link admissions with academics?
Dr. B
The admissions department should be able to align their facts with everything told by their fellow representatives. Everyone needs to on the same page as students may be comparing what they are hearing with what another student had heard. Mis-communication, false advertising and embellishing program offerings can diminish the thoughts students may have about your school. I have seen this happen and it creates discontent down the road.
I see the same thing. I try to talk with future students when they are doing tours as well. This also gives the rep. a chance to learn the correct answers to some of the students questions.
Pay attention to "words" and "terms" used. Sometimes clearing a word helps students to understand the process.
Dr. B
Yes, a staff that works together and that is linked in all ways improves retention. So, is there anything you can do to improve the process?
Dr. B
I agree, too often we have students that have been told many different things during the enrollment process and creates confusion. Not all staff are on the same page, and it frustrates students before they ever see the first course. We all need to work on being on the same page and be honest with the student always.
I believe the more a student knows about the process they will go through and where they are at in their education, in relationship to this process the better chance is that they will com plete course
We as instructors have a good idea as to what it is we need to do in class/labs to help students stay connected, but we miss the very first steps that happen in the admission of the student. I personaly do not know if our recruiters use checklists or not. I have a strong suspision that they do not, from the stories that I hear from some students as to how the school was misrepresented to them. In part I can sympathize with the student, yet on the other hand with todays abudance of information networking capabilities, I have a hard time not placing some of the blame on thier own gulibility. If I were spending $30,000 plus for an education (which I have), I would be doing some research as to what the program was all about, what the employment perspective is, etc. The responsibility of the school is to fairly represent the product offered and build a reputation for quality service from beginning to end.
I do what I can to help prospective students make a good decision when I have the opportunity, such as simply talking to them when they take a tour of the facility or attending and offering feedback at student organization meetings.
Frankly, it is all about total enrollment. Retention is the job of all employees.
Dr. B
Excellent point, it needs to be a cumlative effort.
Good, retention is indeed everyone's job. You said something very important... It is about total enrollment, not just those enrolled to start. Keeping students in total will ensure the success of students and the school.
Dr. B
