Get Your Students Hired
Our admission process includes the mentioned checklists and multiple visits. One change that was implemented about a year ago that I found benefical was to allow student to sit in on a class or two to get a better feel for the required workload and expectations.
I'm new to my institution, but so far I am impressed with what ive seen with our admissions staff.
Tim,
When potential students make a connection with faculty it does help them to see the school as a possible choice.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
At are campus I see a lot of one on one time. As instructors we try when available to interact was possible students.
Nikki,
Your comments are similar to others. I am not sure anyone can really know what school is going to be like for them. Also, many students come to us with a marginal track record with things like homework. Making it all relevant to what they want to do with their career Is part of our challenge.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I've only witnessed the admissions process during my new hire orientation, but it seems to be strong and we are regulalry updated about changes or improvments that are being made.
We have standard questions that are asked of students that come in, but I feel like sometimes that it doesn't matter what students say. The admissions team wants to meet their numbers and will enroll people who have no knowledge of what the school is going to be like and expecially of what the industry is going to be like. Many of our students forget that we are a college and that you will have homework not just get to cook all day long.
Jaime,
Instructor can impact admissions as your post indicates. If your department offers product knowledge training to Admissions people ask how you can help. If this is not being done, ask how you can get this started.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Susie,
Some students know how to "manage" their education. We have the responsibility to help them to care about learning, learn how to keep learning, and how this impacts their lives. Whether the admissions process is slow or fast may not impact this.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
As instructors, we really don't have too much to do with the admissions process. We have a department that handles that aspect. I do occassionally have students come through my lab on an admissions tour. I try to stop and show them what we are doing so they know what to expect. I think if the admissions department has a good understanding of the program and curriculum, the students will be happier. The more informed they are, the more likely they are to stay. I feel like new admissions reps should sit in a few classes of all of the programs we offer to get a good feel for it. They can then relay more thorough info to our students.
I believe our admissions process could be improved by slowing down the process and making sure students know the level of study they are committing to. Some students sit in on classes and have a good understanding of the work involved. Others think just showing up for class will earn them passing grades. It worked for them in high school so they expect the same.
daniel,
Regular product knowledge sessions from Education will help tremendously. Admissions representatives will have up to date and correct information. Admissions people work hard and are diligent. Yet, they will sell what they know best.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I agree as well that having the proper expectations is helpful, but how are they supposed to really know what each class brings to the table. One would think that they would have to do a yearly or bi-yearly course with the instructors to be on the same page that way they could give a more in depth and idea description towards that field?
Rejandra,
It truly is very difficult to identify who might not be right for an industry. We have a great gift for believing people want to succeed.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
It also amazes me how many people will sign up from just watching a commercial. Some sort of aptitude test would definatley weed out the ones who aren't cut out for this type of work.
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Patrick,
These things often enter the realm of Student Services or Student Affairs. Housing services are often available through 3rd parties.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I think that any and all processes have room to be improved. Our admissions department does a great job during the introduction and orientation phase of the student starting. Areas that I think the student would like more info/interaction with would be with respect to housing/ travel/ and day care. Can these areas be totaly delt with at this time? I would say no, but it is an area that would help.
I completely agree. It is a lot harder to retain students who feel blindsided by what is involved in the profession they chose to study.