Geodemographics can pinpoint potential college students, increasing the cost effectiveness of recruiting processes for many institutions. The geodemographic analyst should be able to produce penetration reports, lifestyle profiles, high school profiles, maps, and zip code ranges. Costs vary greatly, and the result is information that the college…

The rush to establish effective alumni/admissions volunteer programs is discussed. Institutions call on alumni/admissions volunteers not only because they fill in geographic gaps for the admissions office, but also because they serve as good examples of what a college can do for today's students. (MLW)

Traditional recruitment techniques aren't attracting many minority students. Institutions trying to attract minorities are concentrating primarily on blacks. Recruitment strategies should vary according to minority group. (MLW)

Before alumni can identify prospective students, the admissions and alumni offices have to forge a partnership, considering the other's goals and problems. A program for alumni/admissions volunteers has two purposes: to extend the reach of the admissions office and to give alumni a chance to serve. (MLW)

The use of the phone can help colleges in their general admissions goal: to get the right number and type of students to enroll at the institution. Basic phone tips, preparing for the call, making the call, and building on the system are discussed. (MLW)

Geodemographic analysis offers colleges a description of student or donor prospect groupings, and direction on finding more of them. However, the method only complements careful use of other resources such as internal yield and retention information, matriculant and nonmatriculant surveys, national and longitudinal data services, focus groups, and…

When the product is education, enthusiastic college students make ideal salespeople. Student recruiters use various marketing strategies including helping with recruitment literature; hosting visitors; and telephoning, writing, or visiting interested students. Some sales techniques are described. (MLW)

The strategies used by a variety of colleges to involve alumni in student recruitment efforts are described. These include awards programs, scholarships, talent scouting, college nights, interviewing, special events, and communication with prospective or incoming students. The importance of training and communication in the alumni-recruitment…

Colleges are using current students' and their parents' enthusiasm for the institution as an effective recruitment tool. Student contact with prospective students on campus visits, hometown contacts, and parent phone calls to prospective students' parents are useful strategies. Most are volunteers though some students are paid for their time as…

Five trends in the creation of college student recruitment publications are identified: (1) using market research and marketing principles; (2) targeting specific groups; (3) honesty about campus personality and reputation; (4) cost-effectiveness; and (5) creativity in using effective copy and design. (MSE)

Changing populations will raise new issues for higher education student recruitment. Some changes include population sizes, characteristics, geography, and enrollment patterns. Steps to take include redefine the problem, make more out of less, improve student distribution, learn from the past, understand limitations, and recognize that each…

Strategies to recruit Hispanic students at Vassar College, California Lutheran University, and Arizona State University are described. Some suggestions include find out what current students think so you'll know your strengths, develop ongoing relationships with high schools with significant Hispanic populations, work with families, etc. (MLW)

One of the most effective ways to evaluate student recruitment campaigns is by conducting research among admitted applicants. Effective planning begins with obtaining three types of knowledge: accurate self-knowledge; sound understanding of the competition; and understanding of the marketplace in which the institution operates. (MLW)

To recruit from the multicultural and lucrative international student market, colleges and universities are advised to develop a strong marketing plan; develop publications tailored to this population; and make a personal visit to targeted countries. (MSE)

Alumni get involved in a network when they share their professional expertise with undergraduates. Programs to bring alumni and students together include: mentor, alumni hosts, alumni rosters in which former students are listed by profession and geographic area, credentials service, etc. (MLW)