We have been continuously improving our admissions process. We have made it a point to be sure that our field reps know todays markets opportunities and expectations. That greatly helped since many had preconceived ideas that were just wrong. Orientation has also been improved so the students have a better idea of school expectations and career opportunities. As long as we keep adjusting to todays ever changing market, students will continue to be successful and so will the school.
David,
Wonderful. Keeping information fresh, current and accurate helps the retention process.
Dr. Larry Banks
Admission teams have their work cut out for them, not only do they have to meet ever increasing quotas, but they must ensure that the students that are being admitted have they initial drive and pre-requisite skills in order to successfully complete the program. It is imperative that the admissions teams have intimate knowledge of the curriculum and program details to assess the ability of the prospective student, the greatest tools that admissions has at their disposal are the instructors, who can provide excellent detail for the expectations of each of the classes and can convey important information about the overall program expectations, objectives and goals.
James,
I like what you say about instructors being a great admissions tool. You are so right about that.
Dr. Larry Banks
I absolutely feel our admissions department process can be improved to help student retention.
I feel one primary way our admissions department can help retention is by having small tutorials, meetings, and shadow days were our admissions dept. can see exactly what is done at the education dept. level to help them better understand that which is done on a day to day basis, so as to better inform the customer.
I believe if the perspective students are properly informed up front, there will be no surprises in their educational experience later that may cause them to wish to drop out, at least no surprises from what to expect through their educational experience from an admissions stand point.
Student retention s tied to so many things. Guidance, mentoring, and follow up seems to be the main requirments to success
Anton,
The key is to avoid surprises. You got the right idea.
Dr. Larry Banks
The admissions process for prospective students is very informative and even motivational. We encourage every teacher to take time and talk to admissions reps and prospects when they are touring the halls. I've had students tell me that is what swayed them to attend our school above others. As long as admissions and instructors work together the prospective students will have a firm grasp of what they are getting into.
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.
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.
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
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?
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
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.
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
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.
Theresa,
You got it. It all works together, doesn't it.
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.
Dennis,
Good for you. Always try to link.
Dr. Larry Banks
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...
