In a survey of high school counselors across the country, a few themes emerged. One counselor noted “please be available as I am sure I will be calling admission reps regularly over the next few weeks,” while another opened with “Be Brave”!
What feels like three months is really only a few weeks into an unprecedented moment on how we all counsel, recruit, and serve students as they pursue opportunities in higher education. The primary focus in the initial weeks of remote learning and recruiting has been how school counselors can best serve students and ways colleges can alter their policies to not only support enrolled students, but also recruit future students. A respectable and worthy focus.
However, how can colleges and universities best support the school counselors throughout the next few days, weeks, and/or months? Here are a few additional excerpts, view the comprehensive responses here.
“I’m terrified at the financial ramifications of this for students’ families and would love help understanding how financial aid offices are going to be able to adjust packages (if at all) to meet student need that may look very different from what the FAFSA reported a few months ago.”
“Communicating with PARENTS of applicants via e-mail about how families can “visit”, talk to financial aid, etc. would help counselors”
“Colleges clearly examining and explaining their strategy for application review next year”
In a previous blogpost, I highlighted a few ways to approach enrollment management, including just being human, but below are recommendations from counselors across the country. Aside from the plea for colleges and universities to send a bottle of wine, favorite beer, or beverage of choice to their counterparts on the other side of the desk, a few consistent themes emerged.
- Counselors are overwhelmed with email communication, so be succinct in your message by using bullet points and not lengthy paragraphs
- Be available and flexible
- Communicate changes
- Test-optional policy
When reviewing the responses, it’s important to understand and recognize the type of school and their background given the students they serve all have different dynamics and resources. Comprehensive responses in a printable and shareable PDF.
Despite empty hallways, quiet campuses, and balancing home life and work all under one roof, we’ve made it to April! Through a collaborative effort from both sides of the desk, continued communication, and keeping students as the focal point, we will all get through this challenging time. Best wishes and stay well!
A few other helpful resources: