As some schools around the world are still closed off due to the pandemic, how can admissions offices remain “open for business”? The answer – go virtual. Below are some tips for setting up a virtual admissions office.
Website navigation and content
Put yourself in the shoes of your prospects. If they visit your website, are your campus visitation policies prominent? Is there a clear message that your admission office is still operating? Is it clear how prospects should contact you with questions? Do not assume that prospects know you are still open for business. Temporarily adjust your website’s navigation, wording and inquiry and tour forms to create a seamless experience for prospects that reflects your current practices.
Admissions files
If your admissions office still accepts paper applications, teacher recommendations and transcripts, it is time to think digitally. Firstly, check with your admission database software provider. Many systems already include the ability to upload or import documents to an applicant file and share them with your admissions committee. Other alternatives include using Google Drive, Dropbox or Microsoft OneDrive. Specifically, share a private folder with your applicant and ask them to upload their documents.
Admission assessment procedure
If your school relies on third-party testing agencies for the admission assessment, work with your academic administrators to develop age-appropriate, in-house assessments for math and reading comprehension. In detail, deliver these as worksheets to be completed and uploaded to the student’s admission file. Your existing learning management may already have virtual assessment tools or you can use Google Forms.
Ways for family and students to connect
One size does not fit all when providing a virtual admission experience for prospects. Instead, offer a variety of ways and tools to connect in cyber space.
- Online, division-specific faculty and administrator Q&A panels
- Student hangouts
- Virtual tours
- Online revisit day
- Admissions chat hours
- Online, division-specific faculty and administrator Q&A panels
- Student hangouts
- Virtual tours
- Online revisit day
- Admissions chat hours
Personalised admission strategy
Acknowledge that family circumstances have changed since the start of the pandemic. The best way to keep and deepen your relationship with prospects and newly admitted students is to check with each one of them personally. Blanket emails have far less impact than a personal email, virtual postcard, phone call or text.
What is important to remember during this time is: Be flexible, be patient, and above all, stay mission-focused.
Thanks for taking the time to read our blog post on tips for setting up a virtual admissions office. At faethe.marketing we have been helping schools get more students. So if you are looking to recruit more students for your programmes with minimal cost and effort, feel free to reach out to us.