Summary
Student-Centric Core ValueFirst and foremost, education is about students. It is about student aspirations and dreams, and a foundation for success. Within the context of Canada’s private career college sector this frequently means providing students an opportunity to successfully complete their post-secondary education.
When colleges adopt a student-centric core value, each of their initiatives and activities is impacted. The admissions process becomes more focused on students’ needs, dreams and goals. Strategies are developed to improve student success, and in the unfortunate event of early withdrawal, students are given the opportunity to return, at a later date, to complete their studies. Fully embracing a student-centric core value can be costly at first. However, tangible returns such as increased enrollment, greater student accomplishment, and higher student loan repayment rates can be realized in the medium-to-long term.
For many students attending private career colleges, the experience represents a second chance at pursuing post-secondary education. Frequently, improving the chances of student success involves giving practical life assistance to those students who need a “hand-up” rather than a “hand-out”. Providing access to a food bank, or helping a student procure appropriate attire for a job interview are part of a student success strategy that is birthed from a student-centric core value.
Some colleges express a student-centric core value by celebrating student achievement. For example, The Institute for Human Services Education in Truro, Nova Scotia holds an annual Merit Awards banquet, an event that is the highlight of the academic year and is heavily promoted during student enrollment in the fall. The Academy of Learning, Winnipeg North, uses a somewhat different approach to celebrating student achievement by hosting a monthly luncheon where student achievement is celebrated.
Case Study
Student-Centric Core ValueThe Academy of Learning Winnipeg North provides a solid example of the student-centric core value in action. The day prior to our visit to the college, a student who was interested in attending AOL learned that she had scored poorly on the school’s pre-admission test. Rather than merely suggesting an alternative institution where the student could receive academic upgrading, AOL operator, Terry Taylor, took the student to a school that offered an upgrading program of study and introduced her to its admissions officers. Once academic upgrading has been completed the student will be eligible to enroll at AOL Winnipeg North.
Some students have limited financial resources that can make it challenging to purchase both food for their families and workplace appropriate clothing. Again, AOL Winnipeg North intervenes by helping students access community resources such as food banks and local clothing providers. Regularly Mr. Taylor informs the student body that any student requiring help with purchasing interview/work appropriate clothing should see Mrs. Taylor for assistance. Ms. Taylor interviews students in need, completes an application, and forwards it to a local clothing outlet that specializes in new end-of-run business attire. An appointment is arranged for the student and, if needed, transportation is provided. The store’s staff close the store for the appointed time and then provide personal assistance to help students select up to three new work appropriate outfits that are provided at no cost.
The student-centric core value impacts every initiative at AOL Winnipeg North. It displays a personal and deep rooted commitment by the college ownership to the student body. While it is rather obvious that such student centered initiatives have not been instituted from a profit motive, there is evidence of measurable benefit to the school. Since 2002, student enrollment has improved by more than 40 percent and student loan repayment rates have improved by more than 100 percent.
Innovative Ideas
Student-Centric Core ValueHere are some student centric strategies and initiatives that your private career college might adopt:
- Take some time in your pre-enrollment discussion with a prospective student to discover potential barriers to that student successfully completing their chosen program of study. Work with the student to find solutions and ensure that the student understands attendance policy.
- Ask prospective students about their vision and dreams during the pre-admission process and ensure that any courses they enroll in reflect those aspirations. If your college does not offer a program to meet a student’s objectives, recommend a college whose programs would be a better match. Such practices will help improve student outcomes and will help build your college’s name and reputation within the community.
- Screen prospective students to ensure their potential to successfully complete their intended course of study at your college. If academic upgrading is needed, suggest options and help them get started. If aptitude is an issue, suggest an alternative program of study.
- Implement a merit awards system at your college. We have described two such programs in this section but perhaps you might find that a different approach would work with your student body.
- Develop a student intervention policy and practice that helps discover the “why” behind tardiness, irregular attendance or low academic performance. Then work with the student to overcome the barrier.
- Open lines of communication with students who miss class. Phone calls or letters can only help to let the student know that they are missed.
- Consider implementing a “No Penalty Student Re-Enrollment Guarantee”, whereby a student compelled to withdraw because of other responsibilities can return and continue his or her training without a financial penalty.