Get Your Students Hired
What surprised you as you read about language and information you can and cannot use when communicating with prospective students?
PING,
Unfortunately, you cannot say that unless your program is the only program of its kind. Unique implies that there is no other program like it...and unless you are teaching something that no other school is teaching, you cannot. It is pretty particular, isn't it? And so difficult to catch ourselves! But being aware is the first step to being cautious.
Donna Guisado
I'm surprised that we can't say our program is a "cutting edge" program. We all believe that no other program are doing what we have been doing, and our program is very unique,and cutting edge. Now, I can't say that. :)
By the way, can I say our program is very unique?
Thanks
Markki,
While your statements are true, we do have to be very careful about making any 'promises' about salary. What you may believe to be a broad statement could be misinterpreted by a prospective student.
Donna Guisado
I was surprised about the fact that one cannot generalize expected salary. I was unaware that you could not give them a broad range. I usually tell them it all depends on the area and facility
Arielle,
That is really a protection for the school. We never want to be "locked in" to a guarantee that we can't keep for any unforeseen circumstances (loss of faculty for example).
Donna Guisado
I was suprised when I read that you cant say a student will finish the program in the prospected time frame on the course. It needs to be projected that they have the potential to complete the program in that time frame.
Catherine,
You definitely understand the concepts behind the regulations. Unfortunately not everyone has the same level of common sense about what is appropriate for admissions to say. It is also unfortunate that there are still schools, unlike yours, who simply do not keep their admissions staff informed about these important regulations. As you are truly the face of your school to the public they simply must keep you informed and up to date.
I know it must feel good to know your school is doing the right thing!
Donna Guisado
I was not really surprised in reading about the language and information we cannot use in Admissions when communicating with prospective students as our institution has done a good job of staying on top of the regulations. I also feel that it is somewhat common sense to not make guarantees, whether it be in expected salary or length of time it will take a student to finish. It is very difficult to really provide any guarantees in life, especially in education as we never know what a student's full situation is or what may change for them over the course of time they are a student, or after they leave the school.
Susan,
It's true. You want to be very careful in making any promises about completion dates. Play it safe and give them a date range and tell them why, in general, this is done. There are many things that might change that actual date, like the two you mention. Important not to make promises that we just cannot guarantee to keep!
Donna Guisado
What surprised me most was that we should not be quoting the estimated completion date or graduation date due to students have to redo classes or having to drop or take a leave of absence.
Susan Orosco
Jeff,
That is the 64 million dollar question!! There are many for-profit schools that would LOVE to know that very same thing Jeff.
It is a long, mostly political answer, but the bottom line is probably best answered by the "for-profit". Many, many, MANY years ago, there were...unfortunately...some for-profit schools that did take advantage of the system, and really left an ugly mark on the schools that were doing good things for the students. So, the regulations for schools that make a profit and use Title IV funding are held to a higher standard, and what often seems unfair.
I always say...great! We'll keep on providing our students with a hands-on, GREAT education AND we'll help them find a job, too! I truly believe that many of the regulations have made for-profit schools even better.
Really impressive that you notice that Jeff.
Donna Guisado
As I read through the different criteria I was not so much surprised as confused. In an educational arena were a students education is important it appears that steps to protect the rights of the student are only important when it comes to vocational education. I agree with almost all the requirements that I have read and dealt with in the years in the educational system. My only concern is what about the rest of the educational system. Why aren't they being held accountable to costs, ability to be employed.
Patricia ,
That's so good to hear. So many of the schools in our sector have received a bad image from the media. If they could only see good schools like yours that really make sure we are doing the right thing, it would make all the difference!
Donna Guisado
my organization spends the time and energy in training our staff about what we can and cannot say to prospective students or students I was not surprised to read about the regulations that we constantly adhere to.
In admissions every word we say must be able to be proven true, we have to be very careful in what we say. Do to the fact that the admissions department can't mislead a prospective student for enrolledment. If that does happen the student will have trouble finding a job or dropout and will not be able to pay back the loans.
I feel that my organization spends the time and energy in training our staff about what we can and cannot say to prospective students/students. I was not surprised to read about the regulations that we constantly adhere to.
Lore,
The reason we want to be cautious about the salary information is because we cannot provide any guarantee or give the prospective student any "promise" about the possibility of salary. Giving the statistics you are giving, or referring the student to that website, is your best practice.
Donna Guisado
I'm surprised by the fact that i can't give generalized information about salary expectations. The information i usually gives is in a range and based on the Department of Labor statistics. I usually also say it depends on the location and type of facility they are applying at.
Sarah,
Yes, there are a number of reasons why providing the student with a guarantee is just not a good idea. There are a number of reasons that can make that date change over time.
Donna Guisado