public advertisement of new programs for that area. Sharing information at Career fairs and job fairs. Flyers to old graduates informing them of new programs starting.
I agree Carmen, strict guidelines prevent us from doing all we can so the best way is seeking referrals from current students and graduates who are satisfied with the education they received from the institution. Students would be proud to promote the school if they are satisfied.
Employment offices i.e Doctors offices who employ medical personnel if you are offering a medical program. The solicitation must not be prompt or motivated with inducement.
Our institution has "Bring A Friend" activities. The most recent included "Bring A Friend Week." Students are able to bring a friend, who is interested, to the school that day. The prospective student is introduced to an Admission's Rep and also given a tour of our facilities. It also gives them a chance to meet the Program Director of their desired program.
DeVaria - this sounds like a great way to welcome referrals from existing students. Thanks for sharing.
I'm glad to see people referencing graduates, in addition to current students, as graduates are great examples of successful completion of specific programs.
Great point, Susan, to notify graduates of new programs which may not have been avaiable during their time at your school.
Great suggestion, Patricia! This is certainly a credible reference when an employer/internship sponsor suggests the program to others.
I agree, Sharon! A student's perspective carries far more weight than hearing a school employee/manager tout the benefits of the school and programs.
If the student has had a positive experience and has felt he/she benefited from the entire process, then the student would recomment a person or persons to be contacted. It should be on a form designed by Concorde for PDLs and when the rep calls clearly identify the referring student. Having Bring a Friend Day does this in person and with both parties present.
We ask current students to refer friends or family members.
As with anything else school related your establishment is to ensure you are within the guidelines of compliance and policy & procedure relating to student referrals and student referral incentives, as well as encourage and emphasize referrals within those guidelines.
Before admissions can ask their students for referrals, they must ascertain whether their students are satisfied and pleased with the service/education they have received. Prior to implementing a successful referral process, effective student service techniques must be practical, or they are unlikely to be carried out. Most of the student service techniques are simple and can be easily carried out. These simple processes will build a relationship with students, ascertain whether students are satisfied with their education, and will assure the school of more complete disclosure when requesting referrals.
Token gifts worth $100.00 or less are okay for one student referring another.
Reaching our to students to give us information is touchy, we need to find ways to get out into our communities to reach referals within the guidelines as well as when enrolling students.
It is acceptable to ask current students and graduates for referrals of family and friends. A satisfied student would refer without any type of incentive at all.
We offer a 'Bring a Friend' day for current students. If current students would like to refer someone, they are invited to bring friends to campus for an open house. This is, certainly, not a requirement of all current students.
David - The allowance for the $100 token gifts to students and alumni is one of the safe harbor provisions that will be eliminated effective July 1, 2011. Institutions should review their policies to ensure compliance after this upcoming date.
The best way to get referrals and remain compliant is to ask for referrals from enrolled, happy students. You may ask the student to voluntarily give you a referral, but can not offer the student any form of compensation in return.
I believe that OGLE students whether they are alumni or our current Stars certainly are the best asset toward future recruitment. The most positive incentive is a student's positive input on their entire educational experience. Our student’s success IS our billboard.
TT
