1. 1. Quick Tips for Connecting withIncoming Students During SummerConfidential InsideTrack InsideTrack, 20141
2. 2. Keeping students engaged through the summer is criticalfor a strong startThe caps have been thrown, collegedecisions and deposits made, andyour incoming class is now insummer vacation mode. But this isstill an important part of the studentexperience with the potential to laythe foundation for their success oncampus. These tips will help youkeep students engaged whilecultivating the behaviors and attitudesfor long-term success.Confidential InsideTrack 2
3. 3. Leverage the students own momentumAn object in motion stays in motion.The same is true for 18 year old highschool graduates. When studentsengage with you, make sure that nextsteps (e.g., applying for scholarships,submitting health and housing forms,or registering for summer orientation)are available so they can strike whilethe iron is hot. This will not onlydeepen their commitment andmotivation to attend but it willpositively reinforce proactive studentbehavior.Confidential InsideTrack 3
4. 4. Be really responsive, especially when students are proactiveYou want your students to be proactive,so reinforce this behavior early and oftenwith quality and timely service. A negativeexperience may discourage them frombeing proactive in the future, or they mayshare their frustration via social mediaand discourage other students fromreaching out for help. Todays traditionalstudents are technology natives whoexpect 24/7 support. A combination ofself-service online resources and enoughlive staff through the summer isincreasingly important.Confidential InsideTrack 4
5. 5. Understand that students really are busyEven the most responsible, top-performingstudent will occasionallyignore a phone call, neglect to respondto e-mail, or procrastinate. Theyregenuinely busy and distracted, andsummer vacation is supposed to be atime to forget about academics forawhile. The transactional nature of mostinteractions through the summer canstunt their enthusiasm, especially if theyfeel judged or condescended to for notmaking school paperwork their toppriority.Confidential InsideTrack 5
6. 6. Make it easy for students to act when their schedule allowsThe most organized students oftenfocus on their next steps towardcollege when they know they have alittle extra room in their schedule andthis will vary for each individual. Work,summer school, vacations, and familyobligations can keep them just as busyas they are during the school year.Provide resources that allow studentsto be as productive as possible whenthey can devote time and attention topreparing for college.Confidential InsideTrack 6
7. 7. This is a unique time in the parent-childrelationship. Students may beexperimenting with independenceand may or may not becommunicating regularly with aparent or guardian during themonths and weeks leading up tothe start of classes. Understandthe objectives and perspective ofeach party, help bridge thecommunication gap where it existswhile respecting boundaries, andcreate a safe environment forstudents to express a dissentingopinion without undermininganyone involved.Respect the student and the parentsConfidential InsideTrack 7
8. 8. Strong customer service, starting immediately, is criticalStudents who are unable to get clearanswers, feel passed around, or getlost in an automated phone system arenot only dissatisfied, but also far lesslikely to reach out again. Anoutstanding early customer serviceexperience can establish an enduringpositive first impression, making it lesslikely that the normal bumps andbruises of adjusting to college life willlead them to doubt the entire value ofthe institution or the pursuit of adegree.Confidential InsideTrack 8
9. 9. Treat incoming students like adultsDont give the if you want to be treatedlike an adult, act like one speech orincessantly remind students youre anadult now, you should Simply respectthem the same way you would a busy,working professional. Refrain fromjudgment and respond to their requeststhe way you would those of a colleagueand always use a decidedly non-parentaltone when communicating about nextsteps to enrollment. When a universitytakes the lead in modeling an attitude ofrespect, responsive communication, andtrust, students are more likely toreciprocate.Confidential InsideTrack 9
10. 10. Dont assume students know what they need to know abouthigher educationKnowledgeEven children of the most educatedparents may not understand thebasics of higher education and maybe too intimidated to ask, even longafter the start of classes. Summer isa great time to listen for clues thatreveal potential gaps in theirunderstanding and provide clear andrelevant explanations, withoutjudgment. For example, students mayhave never had anyone break downthe types of degrees available AA,BA, BS, MBA. PhD, etc. Once theyhave, they find it empowering.Confidential InsideTrack 10
11. 11. Dont let melt prevention become the enemy of retention andcompletionPreventing Summer melt should notcome at the expense of ensuring thatevery student who starts is as preparedas possible to finish. Make sure thatstudents fully understand theexpectations and have opportunities totest their skills prior to enrollment. Anystudent relying heavily on financial aidmust have an in-person conversationwith an expert. If an unforeseeable eventcauses a student to delay start, refrainfrom judgment. A positive experience intheir darkest hour will make them morelikely to come back when the dustsettles.Confidential InsideTrack 11
12. 12. Connect success with students intentionsSummer is also a great opportunity tounderstand each students intentionsand define success accordingly. Anincreasing number of students enrollwith the intention to transfer, but thesestudents seldom reveal their intentionsfor fear of being judged or pressured tochange their mind. A university thatsupports a student in transitioning tocollege, bringing their grades up, andgaining admission to their dream schoolshould consider itself successful. Havingan accurate read on students intentionsalso aids in institutional planning andgap analysis.Confidential InsideTrack 12
13. 13. Recognize the existence of a l carte educationTodays students are increasingly influencedby the ever-growing options to piece theireducation together with prior learningassessment, dual enrollment, competency-basedprograms and online education.Recognize that you do not operate in avacuum. Facilitate candid conversations, freeof judgment, to unearth students trueintentions. Recognize that such options caneven enhance student learning andengagement by making study abroad andinternships more feasible without delayinggraduation, then develop a strategy tocommunicate your unique value propositionin the context of a changing landscape.a l carteeducationConfidential InsideTrack 13
14. 14. Leverage the students motivations to build commitmentSummer is the ideal time to connect withstudents on a deeper, individual level,taking the decision to attend youruniversity from it just makes sensefinancially / geographically / socially tosomething more compelling that willmotivate them through the challengesahead. It demonstrates that you respectand value their motives and helpsconnect them to the resources theyllneed once classes begin. It also deepenscommitment to the university and canhelp them feel more welcome andcomfortable once they arrive on campus.MotivationConfidential InsideTrack 14
15. 15. Articulate value in a way that students can understandThe residential campus experience isrelevant because it connects textbookand community and remains one of themost effective, widely accepted meansof transforming oneself into aneducated adult ready to take on theworld, but this is a rather lofty goal withlittle immediate relevance to a studentsdaily concerns. Connect them totangible, immediately relevant valuewhenever possible and they will bemore likely to remain connected to thisvalue and better able to articulate it toothers.Confidential InsideTrack 15
16. 16. InsideTrack works with you to continuously improve student andinstitutional outcomesSociety thrives when students succeed. Since 2001, InsideTrack hasused a proven combination of coaching, analytics, consulting andtechnology to unlock potential in millions of students and theinstitutions they attend. We invite you to join the leading colleges,universities, foundations and others working with us to enhance thetransformative power of higher education.Increasestudentandins-tu-onalsuccess.Contactus:programs@insidetrack.com415.243.4468www.insidetrack.comConfidential InsideTrack 16
17. 17. Unlocking human potential since 2001insidetrack.com programs@insidetrack.com@insidetrack linkedin.com/company/insidetrackConfidential InsideTrack 17