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1, 2001 Office of Admissions cultivates relationship with prospective students Long before students move into a residence halls, complete a college application or even put on mortar board caps and gowns for their high school graduation, personnel in the Office of Admissions at Arkansas State University has worked with thousands of students to ensure their enrollment at ASU. A new student’s arrival on campus signals the ending and beginning of a lengthy process for members of ASU’s admissions staff. The Office of Admissions at Arkansas State will correspond with many students while they are in high school through multiple mailings, e-mails, campus visits and college planning programs or college fairs. Thousands of high school students each year search for the university or college that best meets their needs, or appeals the most to them. "We utilize a variety of methods for contacting students, through direct mail, telephone contacts, personal contacts at college fairs and school visits, and e-mail, to name a few," Paula James, director of admissions, said. "We also host a number of events which are designed to bring prospective students and parents to the ASU campus. These events allow us to showcase our facilities as well as our best resources, which are our faculty, students and staff." According to admissions staff members, interaction with students is crucial for recruitment. The more time spent with a student allows staff members more opportunities to share information about the campus with the student and hopefully peak the student’s interest. Staff also work closely with high school counselors to share information. "In order to keep high school counselors abreast of all that is happening at ASU, the Office of Admissions has included a web page just for counselors on our website. We also have utilized focus groups with high school counselors in order to obtain their input about issues which affect their students," James, who began working at ASU in 1982, said. Campus visits are very important for recruitment. Whether a student is on campus for a private tour, preview day or an athletic event, their time on campus is essential because they get a chance to meet faculty, and talk to admissions counselors about any number of things such as residence halls, where classes are held or financial aid, according to Greg Gayle, associate director of admissions. "The first visit to a college campus is very important because students come on your campus and they realize whether they like it or not. If students visit our campus three or more times we know they are most likely to come here. It’s an opportunity for students to see the campus up close," Gayle said. "According to recruitment literature, the campus visit is probably the most important factor in shaping a student’s decision about where to attend college," James added. "The first impression we make as faculty, staff and students can either confirm a student’s decision to attend ASU or convince them to look elsewhere." Orientation for incoming freshmen allows students to become acquainted with campus and the interaction of new students with administrators, faculty, staff, and current students. Held several times during the summer before fall classes begin, the Office of Student Life coordinates each event and provides students and parents the opportunity to ask questions. "First and foremost we hope students and their families feel welcome at ASU, and that students really begin to feel like they’re a part of ASU," April Mann, assistant dean of students said. "All of us in the Office of Student Life hope to begin that at orientation. We really think orientation is a part of student life, because it’s really the students’ first day as an ASU student. They begin their college career at orientation." Student Life staff offers a special program for family members to "let them know what they will go through since their student is now a college student, and how they can support their student," according to Mann. Student sessions are led by Tribal Leaders. These upper classmen serve as peer-mentors, and teach the new students how to be successful and more involved. Gayle and James concur with Mann that orientation is very beneficial for students. Many student services are available on campus, and students are at a loss if they are not aware of them. Helping inform students of all that is available on campus is just another benefit of orientation. "There is an apparent difference between students who attend orientation and students who do not, an ocean of difference. Students who attend orientation are better informed of all our services and will know about available services and are more likely to succeed at our university," Gayle said. And although once a student enrolls at Arkansas State they no longer have to work with admissions staff, often a mentoring relationship has been formed through numerous visits and encounters and students will return throughout their college career. "Our formal relationship ends at orientation, but it is not unusual for new students to continue contact with admissions personnel long after they enroll on campus," James said. "Students have visited with those admissions reps at their schools and on our campus prior to enrolling as freshmen, so a certain comfort level begins to develop. It is not at all unusual for students to seek guidance or assistance from admissions folks when they’re not sure where else to turn. We feel good about that relationship and want to offer that helping hand whenever needed." # # # |
 University Communications Office Jonesboro, Arkansas Staff: Tom Moore Straley Snipes Vic Nelson 870-972-3056 fax 870-972-3069 Send mail: ASUnews@astate.edu Links: List of News/Announcements Upcoming Public Events About ASU ASU Home Page |
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