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Faculty Pick Up Phones to Recruit Students |
| By
Kimyette Finley |
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Feb 10, 2004 |
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| James Benjamin, UT professor of communication, was one of 29 faculty members from the College of Arts and Sciences who called potential students last month. |
Hundreds of potential UT students who are still undecided about where to attend school recently received telephone calls from faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Kara Blumfeldt, the coordinator for the College of Arts and Sciences in Undergraduate Admission, said she met with associate deans in the college, and they expressed an interest in doing more active recruiting for their area. “After hearing the request, I was delighted and thought it was a great idea and a great initiative,” she said.
On Jan. 20 and 21, faculty from the college paired with members of the teleteam, a group of current UT students who congratulate potential students and provide information about academics, services and life at the University. Potential students who have been accepted to the University and have expressed an interest in a program housed in the College of Arts and Sciences were contacted. During the calls, the potential students had the opportunity to ask the faculty questions about the various programs offered. In addition, they were invited to find out more information during upcoming spring open houses in February and March.
Jennifer Foldvary, supervisor of the teleteam and assistant director for high school relations at UT, said approximately 437 calls were made over the two-night period. She said the potential students primarily talked with faculty members, while the teleteam provided support.
Foldvary said for students who are still deciding on where to attend school, interaction with potential professors could make a difference. “High school seniors get so much mail from colleges; those phone calls could be really important.” In addition, she said about 80 percent of students who attend the open house programs eventually enroll at UT.
Blumfeldt, the coordinator for the College of Arts and Sciences, said the potential students benefit from the interaction. “They don’t expect them to call, but I think it’s a unique opportunity for them to speak to a faculty member prior to coming to UT. It shows they [the faculty] care even before they’re [the students] in the classroom. It’s very engaging.”
Dr. Daniel Watermeier, associate dean of the arts and humanities in the College of Arts and Sciences, said 29 faculty members participated in the event. “The faculty were enthused about this opportunity and those who participated [said they] were energized by the experience. It was an occasion that built solidarity across departments and disciplines.”
Martino Harmon, director of high school relations for Undergraduate Admission, said, “The faculty participation was terrific. Not only do I anticipate a positive impact on open house attendance … but this will also encourage some of the other colleges that are considering this to jump on board soon.”
Foldvary said faculty members from the College of Business Administration made phone calls with the teleteam last week. Other colleges are invited to do a similar event in the future, she added.
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