P.E.O. Recruitment Handbook - Cottey College

Hosting a Student GatheringOne of the most effective recruitment methods undertakenby P.E.O. members and alumnae is the prospective studentgathering. The purpose of this event is to introduce CotteyCollege to students in a comfortable, informal setting. Thereare many considerations when planning an event, so here are afew tips to help you plan a successful student gathering.1. When scheduling an event, be aware of other communityhappenings that may compete with your event – especiallyschool events. Consider a pizza party directly after school,or even during the lunch period.2. Strive to find a “neutral” location. While some studentsmay feel comfortable coming to a home or church, a moreneutral location is better. Consider a community center,local library, restaurant, or coffee shop.3. Remember your audience!! A pizza party, ice cream party,or just chips and dips after school is appropriate.4. Invite students from the inquiry list you receive from theEM Office.5. Invite young women from your community – look formembers of your church, volunteer organizations,neighborhood, and local schools.6. If you invite other P.E.O.s, require that they bring at leastone student with them.7. Invite local guidance counselors and teachers with whomyou have built a relationship. Ask them to bring a studentwho may be a great fit for Cottey.9. Prepare and send invitations with RSVPs to all studentson your list about a month in advance. One week aftersending the invitations, follow up with a phone call toencourage attendance.10. Order materials from the Office of P.E.O. Relations at leasta month in advance.11. Educate yourself!! Explore the website and publications.Contact your Admission Representative to ask questions!12. Invite a local alumna to speak. Parents of alumnae are alsogreat resources!13. Provide nametags and have all prospective studentscomplete an inquiry card.14. Return the evaluation form and any prospective studentnames to the College within 24 hours of your event. Cotteywill follow up with the students!15. Follow up with the students and encourage them to takethe next step to attend Cottey College by completing anapplication. (Students must have completed their junioryear in order to apply).16. Send a note to any teachers or counselors that you met.It is important to remember that Cottey College does not expectall P.E.O.s to be Cottey experts! If you are asked a questionthat you don’t know the answer to, please admit that you don’tknow. You can then refer the student to Cottey – it’s a greatreason for us to follow up with the student after your event!Recruitment8. Remember the students at this gathering can be as youngas middle school – not all of the students have to becoming to Cottey next fall.The full document about Hosting a Student Gathering can befound at: http://www.cottey.edu/peo/recruit-students19