I think that defining all terms is important, not just to understand their meaning, but also to have understanding of their legal binding aurthority. Students and faculty need to know that these are not just "made up" documents but serve specific needs and requirements for the program.
At my institution we ask for permission to review student records [transcript request]. Defination of transcript is, final transcript must include date of graduation, diploma type, ACT or SAT, IEP, GED scores, and immunization records.
We have a binder and it has the admissions guide but it never had a copy of the enrollment agreement in it. It's very important because it's the contract between student and school, very important.
Program: describing the course and the period of time and benfit of each one.
Rules: informing the students of the does and don't before even start the course.
Common terms used at my institution: Accreditation, advertising, Commission, enrollment, fair consumer practices, institution and marketing. Some of the definitions are the same but different names are used ex. enrollment agreement and my school its a letter of intent. The definition is similar.
tour-showing prospective student our campus
Enrollment agreement- legal document
Enrollment Agreement-financials, attendance, placement assistance
Below are some of the terms and definitions used at our institution...
PROGRAM- a course or group of courses to attain knowledge and skills leading to a certificate or diploma.
ENROLLMENT AGREEMENT- a legal binding contract signed by the applicant and representative of the institution. The contract forms an agreement to the terms and disclosures and policies of the institution.
ENROLLMENT- registering a student to take a program or course to pay tuition and obligates the institution to provide instruction.
Some of the terms and definitions that are commonly used are enrollment -registering a student to take programs or courses at an institution .Fair Consumer -The honest,accurate,and eqitable conduct of business and academic relations between institutions and their students or prospective students
Through my institution I have learned the importance of our language and comments to avoid when speaking to a potential or active student. Some of the language to avoid are:
"students will learn how"
"[school name] prepares students to perform, complete or achieve."
"promise"
"salary" or "anticipated earnings"
"state-of-the-art equipment"
"newer/up-to date technology"
"guarantee"
"college"
"good, better, and best"
"example of how our programs compare"
"you will suceed"
"admissions committee will accept you" (or consider accepting you)
"highly or very selective"
"admissions contract"
"individual tutoring is available"
"percentage of lab time"
"little to no homework"
"all credits are transferable"
"free"
"taught by experts"
"[school name] is planning to offer a program in..."
"accomodate schedules"
"strong relationship with an employer"
"lifetime placement assistance"
Terms used include tuition, financial aid, curriculum, and enrollment.
Definitions include: facility - physical campus,
employment assistance - assistance with placement but not a guarentee
LUIS,
What a great idea with the online tutorials! Technology is an integral part of education today.
Patty Aronoff
LUIS,
Several schools use the same proces whereas the application for admission covers many steps. This may include letters of recommendation, essays, transcripts, or interviews.
Patty Aronoff
Esme,
Don't forget the catalog! Both the executed enrollment agreement and the catalog constitute the contract. Schools should maintain a historical copy of each edition of their catalog. Both documents must be approved by the Commission before use.
Patty Aronoff
Esme,
Transfer of credit is determined by the receiving institution. It is the responsibility to the student to seek such credits and to provide official transcripts with corresponding school catalog.
Patty Aronoff
Esme,
Schools are required to provide placement assistance but cannot guarantee a job. This is very important that the student understand the difference.
Patty Aronoff
Esme,
Your school must be accredited by an approved accrediting agency recognized by the USDOE in order to apply for Title IV funding. This is also a term that this confused by students with the term financial assistance which means private lending source not affiliated with Federal financial aid.
Patty Aronoff
Marthe,
Accreditation for your school must be legitimate in that the accrediting body must be recognized by USDOE. There are so many bogus accrediting bodies out there that are used by diploma mills. Investigate the accrediting agency!
Patty Aronoff
