Recruitment isn’t just about getting applications—it’s about building connections, leveraging expertise, and fostering collaboration. At the heart of this process are the faculty and staff. By empowering them and involving them in the Admissions Team, you can elevate your recruitment strategy and attract and yield more students. Let’s explore how.
The Power of Teamwork and Collaboration
- Leveraging Diverse Expertise Faculty members are the experts on your academic programs, curriculum, and learning environment. When you collaborate with them, you tap into this rich well of knowledge. This collaboration allows admissions professionals to effectively communicate the school’s strengths to prospective students.
Real-Life Scenario: Imagine a prospective student interested in science. A faculty member can share insights about the latest lab projects, research opportunities, and success stories, painting a vivid picture that goes beyond the standard brochure.
- Building Authentic Connections Faculty members often have strong, ongoing relationships with current students. They understand their needs, aspirations, and challenges. Involving faculty in recruitment helps build genuine connections with prospective students, increasing the likelihood of enrollment.
Real-Life Scenario: A prospective student hears directly from a faculty member about how the school supported a student’s transition and growth. This authentic connection can be the deciding factor for many families.
- Enhancing Student Success Faculty play pivotal roles in student success beyond recruitment. When they help identify students who align with the institution’s values and strengths, it leads to higher retention rates and overall student success.
Real-Life Scenario: A faculty member identifies a student who is a perfect fit for the school’s values and programs. This student not only enrolls but thrives, thanks to the targeted support and alignment with the school’s environment.
Strategies to Empower Your Team
- Establish Open Communication Channels Encourage regular and transparent communication between admissions professionals and faculty. Create an environment where all team members can freely share ideas, insights, and concerns.
Real-Life Tip: Host monthly meetings where faculty and admissions staff can discuss strategies, share feedback, and brainstorm solutions. Admittedly, I wasn’t good at this, but I had some great moments.
- Provide Professional Development Opportunities Offer training and workshops to faculty members, equipping them with the skills to effectively contribute to the recruitment process. This could include storytelling, public speaking, and effective student engagement techniques.
Real-Life Tip: Organize a workshop on “Crafting Compelling Student Narratives” to help faculty share impactful stories during recruitment events. I used “What Great Salespeople Do” by Michael Bosworth and Ben Zoldan with my admission team, but I had a few key administrators who needed it badly. Hard to be a consultant at your own school.
- Recognize and Value Contributions Celebrate faculty members who actively participate in recruitment efforts. Recognize their achievements, share success stories, and acknowledge their impact on attracting and retaining talented students.
Real-Life Tip: Feature a “Faculty Spotlight” in an admission newsletter, highlighting their contributions to recruitment and student success.
- Foster Collaboration Encourage cross-departmental collaboration by organizing joint meetings, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative initiatives. Diverse perspectives can lead to innovative recruitment strategies.
Real-Life Tip: Host a bi-annual “Recruitment Innovation Day” where faculty from different departments come together to develop new recruitment ideas.
Going the Extra Mile
- Host Guest Lectures or Workshops Faculty members can organize guest lectures or workshops for prospective students. This showcases their expertise and gives a glimpse into the academic rigor of the school.
Real-Life Tip: A history teacher hosts a workshop on “The Untold Stories of Ancient Civilizations,” attracting history buffs and showcasing the school’s engaging approach to learning.
- Write Testimonials or Articles Encourage faculty to write testimonials or articles highlighting unique aspects of the school. Share these on the website, social media, or in recruitment materials.
Real-Life Tip: A math teacher writes an article on “How Our Math Curriculum Prepares Students for STEM Careers,” providing valuable insights to prospective families.
- Attend Fairs and Events Invite faculty to represent the school at fairs and recruitment events. Their presence lends credibility and allows for in-depth conversations about academic programs and faculty expertise. This idea can be particularly hot when you are adding a new program or building in which the faculty is a part of.
Real-Life Tip: A science teacher brings engaging demonstrations to a recruitment fair, drawing in prospective students and parents with interactive activities.
- Engage in Personal Outreach Faculty members can reach out personally to prospective students interested in their academic department. This personalized approach establishes a connection and piques curiosity.
Real-Life Tip: A science teacher sends photos of telescope and microscope views to prospective students, asking them to guess which is which, sparking engagement and interest.
- Participate in Scholarship Selection Involve faculty in selecting recipients for academic or subject-specific scholarships. Their expertise helps identify deserving candidates who show potential in their fields.
Real-Life Tip: An English teacher serves on the scholarship committee, ensuring students with exceptional writing talents are recognized and supported.
- Engage in Community Outreach Faculty can give presentations or workshops at local schools or events, enhancing the school’s reputation and connecting with potential applicants early on.
Real-Life Tip: A music teacher hosts a workshop at a local middle school, inspiring young musicians and introducing them to the school’s vibrant music program.
Empowering faculty and staff in the recruitment process significantly boosts an institution’s ability to attract talented students. By leveraging their expertise, fostering collaboration, and involving them in the Admissions Team, schools can create a comprehensive and compelling recruitment strategy. Effective teamwork and collaboration strengthen the school’s reputation, engage prospective students authentically, and contribute to the overall success of both the institution and its students. So, roll up your sleeves, get your faculty involved, and watch your recruitment efforts soar!
