The more of these that are personal and directly address the student's needs and interests, the more likely the student is to enroll. Last fall, we had current students telephone prospective students. They were able to complete more than 1,500 calls. Data show that students who received a telephone call from Western were 2.7 times more likely to complete an application than ones who did not. This spring, we have continued calling prospects and as a result we have sent out more than 200 additional applications to people who had not yet applied.
Personal contact works.
I would like to thank each department that is actively calling prospective students and to especially thank those faculty and staff members who have taken responsibility for making these calls. It is time consuming, but it will pay off. You will see good students in your classes who are interested in your field of study. You are not only helping grow the institution, but you are helping attract really good students to your major. If you have not yet taken part in contacting students, please consider doing so.