Recruiting for programs
Rationale for faculty as recruiters
Faculty are the most effective recruiters of students for university programs. While recruitment is a collaborative effort with staff recruiters, the faculty members tip the balance when a student is deciding to come to a campus, select a major, or enter a particular program of study. The most fundamental contact between a campus and students is the faculty, and the nature of the interactions will make the difference for many students who are undecided. New faculty members should take advantage of every opportunity to recruit students to their programs or refer them to programs in other fields when appropriate. Provide students with several options that will meet their goals and help them reach them effectively and efficiently.
When and where to recruit
Some faculty do not see themselves as recruiters, but virtually every interaction they have on campus and in the community is an opportunity to bring students to a campus or field of study. Community service activities, social events, sporting events, church meetings, fund raisers, neighborhood watch meetings, and any other place where you interact with people is an opportunity to recruit students. When student service personnel invite faculty to college fairs be sure to attend. Faculty serve as the face of the campus and should be diligent as promoters of solutions to students' educational needs.
How to recruit
Recruiting can be done directly and indirectly. When you bring brochures, meet with potential groups of students, attend orientations, and visit high schools you are recruiting directly. The purpose of the sessions is to inform students about possible programs or majors and encourage them to take action. These events occur at regular intervals and should be built into your service to the university community. When you attend social events, go to the local high school to watch your relatives play sports, or attend a fundraiser the goal is less obvious, but no less important. Always carry business cards and offer them to people generously. Ask people you meet about their background, employment, and interests, and look for connections to programs on the campus that might help them meet their goals. Offer to make an email connection with campus personnel when you meet someone who may be interested in a program. When you talk with people, be enthusiastic about your work, your field of study, the opportunities your education has afforded you, and the programs at your campus. Offer stories of success by campus graduates, be eager to assist people in finding out more, and encourage them to come to campus for a tour or orientation. Let people know how simple it is to apply, and describe multiple paths to a degree.
To Recruit and Advance: Women Students and Faculty in Science and Engineering
National Research Council (2006). Committee on the Guide to Recruiting and Advancing Women Scientists and Engineers in Academia,
Committee on Women in Science and Engineering, National Academies Press
This book addresses the particular challenges of recruiting women students in the sciences and engineering.
Global Health Issues
Penn Medicine, Penn Faculty Page
This site offers links concerning recruitment of students from international medical schools to pursue clinical electives, postdoctoral fellowships, and international projects and experiences.
U of T’s Faculty of Nursing Chooses ezRECRUIT to Recruit Students
Edge (2002). University of Toronto, Canada
One of Canada’s leading nursing schools is recruiting prospective students using an innovative web-based application that streamlines the process and makes it easier for recruiting faculty to communicate with prospective students.
Recruiting and Admissions Resources for Faculty and Staff
Graduate School, Virginia Tech
The successful recruitment of graduate students requires a commitment of human and financial resources and a logical plan. This site provides faculty members with information about resources, services and what to consider when developing a recruiting plan.
The Beat of a Different Drum: Using the Arts in Outreach to Science/Engineering Students and Faculty
Pfander, J.L. & Williams, B.A. (Winter, 2006). Issues in Science and Technology
Two science librarians at University of Arizona partnered with women faculty in science, engineering and women’s studies to present a non-course related hands on interactive Japanese drumming event for female students. The process used to plan, secure funding, and conduct the event is described.
