The planning, piloting, implementation, and evaluation of Brigham Young's telephone-operated, voice-response student registration system is described, and guidelines for developing a similar system are suggested. (MSE)

A registrar replacing a long-time college registrar describes how it feels to follow an institutional legend and outlines some facts, approaches, and viewpoints learned during his first year of experience in the job, such as student and faculty attitudes, typical situations, and pitfalls. (MSE)

Results of a survey of adults in northeastern Ohio indicates there is a substantial market for higher education, amounting to 33 percent of the adults not currently in school. Respondents identifying themselves as nonprospective students stated financial aid, employment, child care, public transportation, weekend classes, and academic counseling…

The concept of student-institution fit includes much more than institutional searches for students with predetermined characteristics based on the characteristics of graduates. It requires a broad interactionist perspective, links with an institution-wide student retention plan, realistic information dissemination, and response to existing…

Methods for combating declining applicant pools at women's colleges are discussed. Research suggests that effective student recruitment can be facilitated by the use of single-gender market niche as a means for differentiation and parent influence for promotion. Review of strategies currently used indicate these marketing methods are underused and…

Services offered by the college registrar are largely unseen by the student when all goes well. However, the registration system should be viewed as a means of preventing student dissatisfaction. Registrars are important members of an enrollment management team and should share responsibility for their successes or failures. (Author/MSE)

Two studies of variables influencing graduate students' consideration and choice of school found positive association with university personnel was a prime enrollment motivator. Students' decision process has changed over time. Evidence suggests students prefer an institution that is "user-friendly," affordable, and committed to quality. Cost and…

Mount Ida College (Massachusetts) has found the use of college administrators as mentors to students, complementing academic advising and faculty mentoring, to be an effective approach to strengthening the tie between first-year college students and their institutions. The impact has been noticeable in the campus culture as well as in student…

A small liberal arts college's program of home visits for recruitment and admissions was evaluated. Forty students and several parents receiving home visits were classified by grades and eventual enrollment in the college, then surveyed. Results indicate the visits were the reason most applied. However, other factors were more strongly related to…

A survey of graduating university students (n=165) investigated factors influencing their satisfaction with their majors. Career-related learning, communication skills, and parental influence in choice of major were the best predictors of satisfaction with major. Perceived quality of instruction and career opportunities/services were also highly…

A survey of 130 students in 2 community colleges measured perceived differences in educational experiences as high school seniors and college freshmen, academic and personal skills perceived as needed at college entry, and perceived development of those skills. Respondents felt overall academic instruction was better in college. (Author/MSE)

Applying a consumer satisfaction model to higher education program administration provides the manager with a systemic view of satisfaction, related variables, and postpurchase (alumni) actions. By manipulating the variables leading to consumer satisfaction, the institution can satisfy its consumers and increase the likelihood the consumer will…

In a study of the ways colleges and universities regard prior learning of military service members who apply for admission to undergraduate degree programs, 66 colleges evaluated prototype transcripts and assessed problems in awarding degree credit. A number of problems are seen as needing to be addressed by both schools and the military.…

A study at a State University of New York community college investigated the effectiveness of an admissions/counseling process. Results suggest the program promoted more positive student attitudes toward the institution after two semesters, slightly higher grades, and significantly higher retention, with the results particularly apparent over…

The problem analysis technique can help colleges understand students' salient needs in a competitive market. A preliminary study demonstrates the usefulness of the approach for developing strategies aimed at maintaining student loyalty and improving word-of-mouth promotion to other prospective students. (Author/MSE)