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I think that the communication between admissions and education is what really generates positive retention results for the school.  When a rep can go into the education department and talk to them about what's up with a student, challenges that might have been expressed and obstacles to overcome the the front end and the back end (or maybe the middle end) are really collaborating together.

I love what you have to say Jean about extra training and tools for admin reps to make then like a guidance counselor.  Wonderful insight.

 

Excellent question Gwendolyn!  As a former DOA and VP of Admissions myself, I could easily see your perspective on this.

What I've come to realize is a HUGE opportunity for admissions to assist students in ways that are different from what they've done in the past.  Imagine if future admission professionals actually had training and experience similar to a guidance counselor along with tools to assist prospective students in making a well informed decision prior to enrolling?  Could that impact student retention in a positive way?

Dr. Norris,

I agree that it makes sense on paper, but what control does an admissions rep really (or ideally) have on student retention? Beyond enrolling students and now fulfilling the role of re-entry of students that is the extent I feel can be contributed by an admissions associate. The comparable job description for an admissions associate is sales and marketing - typically. Sometimes I think the answer may be in advising of students that can contribute to the outcome of our students and having the other student services in place to support the student, faculty and staff.

 

Kevin,

I have worked in admissions and now under the academic umbrella. It is a very difficult task for a career college to balance enrollment and for lack of better wording enroll a good student.  In the for profit sector of education we need admissions to enroll students with the intention of helping them make the best decisions regarding their education.

Often times I have used the amusement park analogy to describe what happens in our industry. It is like Six Flags, there is so much anticipation to get to the rides, the fun and the excitement, that standing in the lines, the… >>>

Kevin I fully agree with you. Thank you.

I believe that the admissions department must be honest with the students. I see no point into miss leading a student. It creates a negative image for the school in a whole

I feel this is very important.  Admissions must not raise student expectations by promising them things that cannot be delivered.  They should give the students honest and straight forward information.  If everyone, including Admissions, is honest with the students, the students will trust the school, and will be more likely to remain in school to the completion of their degree.

Excellent point! So if the admissions department is just as responsible for student retention as other departments, I'm curious what real influence they have to impact this? In other words, it makes sense on paper, but what control does an admissions rep really (or ideally) have on student retention?

Strategic Enrollment Management is all about the student outcomes. The Admissions Department is just as responsible for student retention as anyone in academics, financial aid, career services or administration. Everyone within the institution needs to understand their role towards student outcomes if the institution is to have a true impact on student retention and eventual graduation. 

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