(Yes, I’m having a bit of fun with that title)
Alternate Title: The One Best Way to Reduce Barriers to Enrollment in Your University or College (Part Two)
Reducing barriers to enrollment can seem overwhelming. I can’t solve 1000 500 different problems. I can’t solve even 100 different blocks for students to enroll. That’s too much.
But I can do one thing: I can listen.
- I can listen to the recruiters who are on the road at events, visiting potential students every day. What do they say are the biggest issues stopping students from enrolling?
- I can listen to admissions counselors who work with applicants. What are the problems they constantly have to help students overcome?
- Who are the applicants who do not enroll? How can I listen to them to find out why they chose not to come to my school?
- Will I listen to high school guidance counselors concerns about encouraging (or discouraging) students from enrolling in my institution?
- Who is withdrawing from their studies in my college? Who’s asking them why?
- Who could be returning to my university this fall but isn’t? How can I hear from them?
Those who listen find people willing to talk. And those willing to talk are usually willing to be part of the solution. And now you have a coalition of change agents. You’re well on your way to solving those barriers to enrollment.
Got your ears on?
Who Wants To Be A Registrar? 