Since the article “Change or Die” was the cover story of FAST COMPANY Magazine twenty years ago, perhaps we should take a quick look to see what has changed over the past twenty years.<\/p>\n
I’m sure you\u2019ll agree that everything has changed.\u00a0 Our nation’s political and economic climates have changed (several times, and now, not necessarily for the good), along with our atmospheric climate.\u00a0\u00a0Companies that were thriving twenty years ago don’t exist today. And with today’s “new normal” brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, not to mention the most recent “tarrifmania” we’ve experienced, if we had any doubts about how global our “Global economy” is, there is no doubt about it now.<\/p>\n
Newborns twenty years ago are today’s sophomores in college!\u00a0 When they entered Kindergarten, they already knew how to use a computer.\u00a0 Some of them probably knew their alphabet, and knew how to type – okay, keyboard.\u00a0 Today, they know how to write code, and while they’re improving the AI experience today, quite a few are probably working on creating an app that will make them millionaires. The iPhone and iPad are the new computing platforms of choice – proof that even in economically hard times, people will still embrace innovation.\u00a0 Aside from despair, innovation is the only thing that increases in difficult economic times.<\/p>\n
As we continue to move forward, it becomes clear that the “cure” for change is – well, more change. Even our faith tradition embraces change, even though we try to hold on to the past of traditions, since we are changed by hearing the Word of God in Scripture.\u00a0 During the Easter season, we are reminded, “Behold, I make all things new” (Rev. 21:5).<\/p>\n
But after visiting hundreds of schools over the past 17 years and hearing their concerns, it’s apparent that no one likes change.\u00a0 I believe that’s because we fear it and fight it, rather than embrace it.\u00a0 Education, after all, is a process of change.\u00a0 Every year, the student’s grade level changes, and every day, more learning happens, meaning that the students who enter the school are changed, ever so slightly, when they leave for the day.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, change is perceived in a “macro” sense.\u00a0 That is, any change will be “a big change.”\u00a0 When people talk about change, there is usually an announcement made, or a media event that’s created.\u00a0 Our media-driven culture has changed our mindset to assume that “big changes” are coming.\u00a0 In the workplace, everyone breathes a sigh of relief when they discover that the “changes in personnel” meant 3 vacant positions were not going to be filled, one temporary employee was going to be released, and one person would shift departments.<\/p>\n
Perhaps change might not have to be so radical after all.\u00a0 May I be so bold as to propose that we simply SHIFT.<\/p>\n
When you think of it, a shift is a change…which can also have radical consequences.\u00a0 In an earthquake, the earth “shifts.”\u00a0 It just moves…a little…and we’ve all seen\u00a0what power such a small shift can have.<\/p>\n
In the case of our schools, let’s just shift our timeline three months, and see what could happen.\u00a0 Schools currently begin collecting tuition in July for the school year that starts in August and September; active efforts at enrolling students during Catholic Schools Week, or after the Christmas break in Christian schools; and financial aid applications become available in February and are due in March or April to coincide with tax season.<\/p>\n
Let’s move the whole thing back just three months.<\/p>\n
Schools would begin collecting tuition in April; active efforts at enrollment would begin in October; and financial aid applications would be available in November, and due in December or January.\u00a0 THAT, my friends, is EXACTLY aligned with where things need to be today.<\/p>\n
Parents today are different from the parents of 20 years ago, and we’re still continuing practices we had back then, making us wonder why things aren’t improving.<\/p>\n
What are the benefits to this shift?<\/p>\n
By April, parents have filed their tax returns, and if they get a refund, can pay their tuition for the current school year with it.\u00a0 Unfortunately, if your school waits until April to collect the current school year tuition, that means there is no cash flow throughout the year to pay teachers, the refund may be smaller than anticipated, and there may be some other issue that receives priority when the tax refund does come in.<\/p>\n
Shifting the timeline would allow the refund to be used as a down payment on tuition, ensuring enrollment for the coming year, and easing the monthly tuition payment burden.\u00a0 The school will have a sizable amount of tuition collected by the time the school year starts as well.\u00a0 And, wouldn’t it be great to offer a payment plan that starts in April and is complete by December 31st, when the Christmas bills start to hit?\u00a0 A 9 month payment plan – April through December.\u00a0 Imagine.\u00a0 All tuition paid before Christmas.\u00a0 I think you’d enjoy your Christmas break a little more.<\/p>\n
Official enrollment figures are due to many state education agencies on October 1st.\u00a0 As soon as those figures are reported, enrollment efforts for the following year NEED to begin.\u00a0 That’s when parents of Pre-K children start thinking about what will happen to their children next year when they’re ready for Kindergarten, and THAT’S the time to capitalize on the opportunity…not waiting until the second semester begins!<\/p>\n
Apply for financial aid in November?\u00a0 Certainly!\u00a0 Parents need to get used to it, since they’ll have to do it for college.\u00a0 If you use a company to ascertain estimated financial need, and they won’t process the application until all the required tax forms are submitted, it’s time to change your need assessment provider.\u00a0 If the company you use won’t start processing applications until January, it’s time to change your need assessment provider.\u00a0 Interestingly, I find it simply amazing that a new financial aid assessment company has come in to the marketplace saying that they won’t process applications until all documentation is submitted as one of their features to ensure compliance.\u00a0 Unfortunately, while that might be great for organizations who want to promote school choice initiatives, it can spell disaster for a school who is trying to grow their enrollment.<\/p>\n
What are the roadblocks?<\/p>\n
If your office or tuition management company can’t handle such a shift, use a company that can.\u00a0 If your need assessment provider can’t handle such as shift, use a company that can.\u00a0\u00a0If you don’t have an enrollment program to really follow-up with potential parents rather than “hoping” they call you after you mail them a packet of information, institute a follow-up program, or use a company that provides tools to assist your efforts.\u00a0 Want more information about this?\u00a0 Send an email to schooladvancement@gmail.com<\/a> with the words “tuition and financial aid timeline shift” in the subject line.<\/p>\n