Edwin Marrero Rodriguez

I learned that recruiting and advising must prioritize transparency, ensuring no misleading statements, inappropriate incentives, or pressure that could compromise a student’s decision-making. I also learned that institutions must set accurate expectations about program outcomes (such as licensure, transferability of credits, and employment eligibility) and disclose any limitations before enrollment. In addition to, I learned that schools are fully responsible for the actions of their employees and vendors, and any form of substantial misrepresentation can trigger serious regulatory consequences. 

I gained clarity on how the CAN-SPAM Act and Do-Not-Call regulations drive compliant outreach strategies, requiring transparent messaging, opt-out mechanisms, and strict calling guidelines to protect consumers and mitigate costly penalties. I also internalized how state authorization frameworks and SARA reciprocity agreements streamline multi-state distance education operations while still triggering regulatory oversight whenever physical presence thresholds are met. Finally, I learned that federal Program Integrity rules reinforce transparency, accreditation, and student protection, especially around Title IV participation, disclosures, and evolving online education models, driving institutions to stay continuously aligned with compliance expectations.

 In the context of higher education, particularly in managing the admissions process, the Resource Notebook emerges as an indispensable tool for enhancing efficiency and maintaining organization across multiple stakeholders. I found it to be an effective tool in my own experience. I previously used a similar system, though without a formal title. It has been gratifying to see that the practices I implemented align with recognized best practices in higher education.

The FAPSC Admissions Staff Training Program enhanced my understanding of ethical recruitment, student-centered communication, and data-driven decision-making. As a director for an Online Division, I will apply these insights to develop a more strategic, transparent admissions process, train my team on consultative approaches, and ensure compliance, ultimately improving enrollment outcomes and the student online experience.