ADMISSIONS

DESCRIPTION

During the admission process, off campus students are able to access information about the degree program, admission criteria, transcript evaluation, and application without going to campus. The institution provides access to recruitment specialists beyond typical business hours and weekends.

QUALITY INDICATORS

1. The institution responds to prospective student inquires during the admission process.

2. The institution provides virtual campus tours during the admission process.

3. The institution has online applications.

4. The institution has the capability for documents to be submitted online.

SUGGESTED PRACTICES

• The institution provides a single recruiter for a student as a point of contact through the admission process and enrollment into the first semester of classes.
• The institution makes sure all documents required for the admission process can be submitted online.
• At no point does the student need to visit the campus to be accepted at the institution.
• Website should contain calendars with important dates based upon the enrollment process, checklists of items required for admissions, checklist of the processes involved in admissions, and FAQs that allow students to locate information independently.
• The institution has a tracking systems that allows monitoring of students during the admission process to reach out and notify those missing documents in order to complete a process.
• The institution has onboarding tools for students to use to guide them through the submissions of documents and processes required for admissions.
• A sample course is available for students to participate in at the institution to fully understand what is expected from an off-campus student.

EXAMPLES

Educational Advisory Board (EAB) Recommendation: Providing self-help tools online for when the staff struggle to meet all the needs of the students. Tools include a visual rubric to guide students through the admissions processes, online tutorials and demonstrations, calendar of deadlines, and online resource centers with detailed information about registering for classes or access to financial aid (EAB, 2016d).

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota: The admissions department ensures that prospective students have access to online inquiry/interest forms 24/7. Students that inquire via the forms receive an email confirmation containing follow up information within 1-2 hours of submitting the inquiry. An applicant is able to apply to the college via an online application which allows the students to upload documentation to support Florida Resident for Tuition purposes. Applicants and admitted students are notified of their admissions decisions status as well as missing and received enrollment documents through a tailored and personalized email communication plan that is also supported by personal follow up calls to students by admissions staff.