Admissions Essentials: Exploring the Need for Comprehensive Training within a Liberal Arts College Enrollment Department

The purpose of this research study was to investigate the need for an effective training model for employees in the enrollment management office of a Liberal Arts College. A qualitative study using needs and performance analysis frameworks was conducted with employees from all areas of the department. Research questions were aimed at identifying the core training needs of the group. Research questions included: Is there a need for training in this department? Are those needs skill or culturally based needs? Would such training create an environment that promotes excellence in employees? Results from interviews along with a departmental wide survey and information collected from the literature support the idea that training is indeed needed and should include four essential areas: Cultural orientation, job-based skill training, professional development and performance evaluations. The results of this project will be used to develop a training program proposal for the Enrollment Management team of a Liberal Arts College.