HI Matt - Really good suggestions. We believe that the best way to track down MIA grads is to act now to get every bit of contact information you can from current students. Then keep in touch with with them on a regular basis when they graduate. SEt up an alumni organization. Then you won't have to deal with MIA grads. As to what to do about the past- decide on much time and $ you want to spend to fix up your data base and track them down. Do what you can, and then focus on today. Good luck, Susan
Yes, we have found that if the student had a favorite instructor, they sometimes keep in touch with. The instructors can also assist Placement in locating the graduate.
Great point. The reality is sometimes the student thinks the instructor is the school! Sometimes instructors are the only or main people the student has contact with. So very important that instructors be trained in great customer service and know when the student might need help from Student Services. And when the student graduates, encourage instructors to "friend" the students on facebook. It's a great way to stay in touch even when the student changes email, phone numbers, address, etc. Yes, it's a team effort all around. Thanks, Susan
What about the students who just will not reply? You call, mail etc... The MIA students negatively effect the placement statistics.
Yes, the challenge is how to overcome the MIA problem. We suggest staying actively in touch with students throughout their time at your school. And then closely and frequently after graduation. That's why we recommend Alumni Associations. If you offer something of value,and structure your offerings as the school that never leaves you, then grads will have a reason to stay in contact. And not go MIA. Thanks, Susan
Reaching out to friends and family of grads works a lot of the times. Also, the school Business Office is a great resource to track down MIA grads.
Mayra,
Always a challenge to stay in touch with grads and maintain current contact information. One way that is proving successful is creating an Alumni Community. Keep alumni involved and engaged and you will always know where they are. MaxK offers a course on how to make that happen and how to set up and run an alumni community. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
