I agree with this statement, however everyone on the campus needs to support the program that the new student is enrolling in. I feel that admissions has one of the hardest jobs on campus, they not only need to sell the program, but they need to make sure the students get what they need to make the right choices.
The admissions rep. is the first contact with the student. I really like the idea of a rating sheet to see how much knowledge the student has of the subject before they enroll
Carly,
Quite often the relationship the student has with their Admissions rep is one they value throughout their education. All other departments can benefit from that relationship when working with the student. This is especially true during the early weeks and months of the student's education.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I absolutely agree with the assertion that retention starts in admissions. But, I will take it one step further, and say that retention is a campus-wide responsibility, and while Admissions plays an important role in the initial meetings with the students, their participation doesn't simply end with enrollment. An admissions representative, in most cases, is the first person to build a rapport with the student. In this manner, a campus might be able to capitalize on this first relationship. Understandably, a student must get to know their instructors and their program directors, but if issues arise, an admissions representative might be a good avenue, so to speak. Does this make sense?
shaelyn,
Seeing students doing hands on activities helps Admissions reinforce this part of the program for prospects.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Many times our admissions department tries to coincided their tours with labs to give the students a little taste of what they will be doing
Jeff,
First impressions are everything. The transition from the enrollment process to sitting in class has an equal level of importance. After the detailed and task driven admissions process students want to meet their instructors and begin learning.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Admissions very well could be the most important step in the retention process. After all, the students are potentially committing to the expense of receiving the education and time necessary to secure the training that they desire. Every effort should be made to determine not only if their prospective career choice is a good fit, but also if the school can sufficiently and adequately meet their goals and expectations. We should remember our own experiences of enrolling in school or that of our children, and treat each potential student as if they were members of our family. Being honest could possibly result in the loss of a potential student, but that may in the long run be better than dealing with a student who is unsatisfied .
robin,
Yes. The Education department can help through providing product knowledge sessions.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
It is very important that each admissions rep has knowledge and continuely updates their knowledge of each prgram in order for the prospective student to be successful in their chosen program.
We have a wonderful admission team here at my school they really energize the students by making them feel welcome. Taking them on tours, teacher and classmate introdutions.
It is important to make sure that your Admissions staff is fully trained and knowledgeable about your program offerings. This will allow them to set realistic expectation for incoming students and not set them up for disappointment by telling them program characteristics that are not true.
I agree that providing product knowledge to the admissions rep is a critical component to retention, however, I feel that if the rep is uncomfortable with explaining certain components of a program, they should ask the Lead Instructor or Program Director to further explain.
There are times in which once a student reaches the first day of class they may have been misinformed about something that may have them think twice about continuing.
I agree that providing product knowledge tot he admissions rep is necessary to help the students decide which of the programs or if the program they are planning to get into matches their expectations, interest and skills. I also believe that involving the program directors in the process will make a difference since they know best what the program entails in terms of academic expectations and course content.
sadie,
Yet, providing product knowledge to the Admissions rep is necessary to help the students make an informed decision.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
