Once a student
decides to enroll in a course or program, the admissions process is usually the first step
he or she takes in becoming associated with your institution. To make this section
practical, be sure that the process itself controls the site architecture, so that a
student is guided clearly through the necessary steps. Create an environment that enables
a student to apply for admission online without staff assistance.
The online
admissions process should be organized to reflect the admissions criteria of the programs
offered by your institution. That is, if all
students are required to complete the same admissions form, then steer them through the
same process. However, if your institution
has more than one admissions process, make this clear and provide “tracks” for
each program's processes. Depending on your
school's requirements, it may make sense to organize the admissions process either by type
or level of program (undergraduate and graduate, or credit and non-credit courses) or by
the category of prospective student (entering freshman, transfer, continuing education,
professional development) (University of
Wisconsin, Madison). Keep in mind that some students may know what class(es) they
would like to take but do not know to which program they should apply. Links to program descriptions will enable them to
determine the appropriate program.
The admissions process gives an early impression of your institution. By making it possible for students to apply for admissions online and without difficulty, you will serve their needs as well as yours. If the admissions process is confusing or too complicated, they may elect to take courses elsewhere. Remember that as the number of institutions offering distance education courses continues to rise, simply locating an appropriate online or distance program will no longer be a sufficient reason for selecting a particular institution.
Good
Practice Recommendations
· Describe
the admissions process. Detailed
information about each step in the admissions process clarifies requirements. The
information should be specific enough to enable students to satisfy each step in the
process. (University of
California, Santa Barbara)
· State
the admission requirements. Students
may want to assess their likelihood of acceptance before they actually apply. This information can sometimes factor into a
student’s decision to apply to particular schools or programs. Be sure and include program-specific criteria if
they differ from general admission criteria. (West Virginia University)
· Identify
and describe methods for obtaining and submitting an application. Provide more than one way to apply and
give clear instructions for each method of obtaining and submitting an application. (University of Iowa)
· Provide
an online application form along with clear instructions. In
addition to the actual online form, be sure and include simple instructions for completing
it. If instructions are separate from the
form itself, they should be in a print-friendly format so students can print and follow a
hard copy as they complete the application. (Ferris State
University)
· List
deadlines. Give application
deadlines and any related information to assist students in planning. (Occidental
College)
Features
to Consider
· Offer
options to save and re-open the application as well as track the application once it has
been submitted. These features will
allow students to complete applications in more than one sitting and confirm their
receipt. (Calvin College)
· Provide multiple payment methods, including online credit card payment. (University of California, Irvine)