Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Hi Carol This all sounds great. You write that some of the programs require taking the Career Development class. But not all? Which programs don't require the class? Just curious about the thinking. The mock itnerviews from staff agencies are a great idea. What kind of feedback do the students get? Thanks Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Employer presentations...

Hi Carol Sounds like you have a forumla for getting speakers from your local community and health care and business communities. I know that for some school placement departments that is a problem. What do you account for your success in getting a steady supply of volunteers? It sounds like someone is on top of this and is doing some great networking. Can you share with us what information is most valuable for students to hear from people in the field? Do any of the speakers become mentors? Thanks Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Assess your placement services...

Hi Carol What a great forumla to successfully assist students in the job search process. You were fortunate to start out small to be able to develop systems that could apply to a larger population. What kind of feedback do you get from employers? What do they say about the grads they hire? Do you measure how long your grads stay on the job or anything about job advancement and salary increases? That information would be great for admissions to know. Also if you don't already offer it, you might think about placement modules on how to succeed on the… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Surveys...

HI Carol Great that you implement employer and graduate surveys. What's important is to tally the responses, issue reports to each department, gain feedback, and make changes. I see you have noticed that people don't tend to complete or return surveys. So you are quite right that following up and particularly phoning is a great way to get needed information. As you know, your regulatory bodies require this information as well. Can you share more of what you do now or how you can specifically improve placement information gathering at your school? Best wishes Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Surveys...

Hi Betty I hope everyone reads your comments on surveys and how vital they are to keeping programs on the cutting edge. Private schools have an advantage of being able to make decisions quickly and implement changes without the hassle of too much bureaucracy. Surveys provide the information to know what programs to offer next. To further make the point can you give us examples of changes and developments as a result of survey data. Thanks Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Surveys...

Hello Christine Great that you are sending out surveys - and at the recommended time frame. Can you share with us what you discover. How are survey results different at 30,60, and 90 days? What new information do you discover, if any? Are you satisfied with the responses? What could you do to improve response? And in what ways do you share results and with whom? What do those people do with the information? Best wishes Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Initiating student projects...

Hi Christine Sounds like you have excellent career services for your students. I like the idea that grads are invited back to participate in the workshops. At what point do students know they have this service after graduation? Does it impact on retention? When grads come back, does it impact on admissions? Do these grads enroll in additional courses or tell their friends about your great school? Working with staffing agencies can be quite a benefit. They can tell you how to turn your students into ideal employees. They can give a lot of feedback. It would be great if… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Initiating student projects...

Hi Jennifer Your Career Development class sounds great. At what point does the student enroll in it? Is the course required? How do you motivate the employers to participate in it? Do you have specific learning objectives outlined? If yes, how do you ensure that employers will cover them in their presentations? Do you track results re employment and if yes, what are the results. I know - lots of questions. I think your responses can be helpful to many others. Thanks Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Initiating student projects...

HI Betty Thanks for sharing a great formula for retention and placement success. I hope that all schools see how easy it is to create these tried and true courses and require students to enroll in them. All these efforts, including the portfolio, are great publicity strategies as well. The courses also help to get students thinking about beinga professional from the start of their training. I think when students think and feel the professional job they are training for it has a subtle impact on retention. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Employer presentations...

Hi Betty Sue What a perfect example of how to use resources in the community plus count on your alumni to improve your school and placement. Your comments also demonstrate how easy it is to network throughout the community. Faculty and staff need to be encouraged to maintain memberships and affiliations in professional and community organizations. Someone needs to track these memberships as well. In that way, if you want something to be announced about the school, you have great networking vehicles to make that happen. Thanks, Susan