Alumni Association
Enriching firm friendships across our alumni and Buckeye communities

Recruiting principles and ethical practices

Recruiting principles and ethical practices in college admissions

As a member institution of the National Association for College Admissions Counselors, Undergraduate Admissions at The Ohio State University is committed to ethical standards in its recruitment of college prospects.

This commitment includes adhering to such basic tenets as not disparaging other universities, not recruiting students already committed to another institution, and acting without bias in regard to race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, national origin or disabling conditions.

Member schools, colleges, and universities, as well as other institutions, organizations and individuals dedicated to the pursuit of higher education, believe in the dignity, worth and potential of each and every student. To enable all students to make the dream of higher education a reality, these institutions and individuals develop and provide programs and services in postsecondary counseling, admission and financial aid. They strive to eliminate bias within the education system based on ethnicity, creed, gender, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, national origin and disability. They understand and value the importance of college counseling and view it as a fundamental aspect of their job as educators.

The following are several guidelines, as well as best practices taken from NACAC’s Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission, that volunteers should be aware of when representing The Ohio State University.

Alumni representatives will:

  • Provide information about our university that is current, accurate, and factual.
  • Have no more than three alumni representatives, including admissions staff, behind the college fair table at one time.
  • Remain behind your assigned college fair table at all times. Talking with students and distributing materials in the aisles is not permitted.
  • Arrive on time at the fair and staff the table for the entire duration of the college fair hours.
  • Not distribute small gifts such as buttons, pennants, candy, pens, pencils and other items. Only academic materials provided by Undergraduate Admissions can be given to students and their families at a college fair.
  • Not speak negatively about another institution (even a comment made in the spirit of our healthy rivalry with the “school up north” is not considered appropriate).
  • Not call students or families to the table or booth at a college fair. They must approach you.
  • Keep audio visual equipment confined to the college fair booth and volume levels to a minimum.
  • Not violate any building rules or ordinances by displaying balloons, stickers, and elaborate displays not permitted at the college fair.
  • Not sell products at the college fair.

This represents a small portion of best practices volunteers should abide by at college fairs. All alumni and admissions representatives intending to recruit for The Ohio State University must familiarize themselves with NACAC principles, core values and best practices. For the entire NACAC document, please visit nacacnet.org.

Guidelines for interacting with prospective students

It is important to remember that when interacting with prospective students or family members our goal is to provide the information they need to make a well-informed decision when choosing a college. The Ohio State University has much to offer prospective and current students. However, we realize that we are not the best choice for everyone. Our goal is to admit students who will have the best chance of earning a degree and who will also have an overall positive and successful college experience.

Please follow the guidelines below when interacting with prospective students and their families:

DO…

  • Be enthusiastic, and professional. You are The Ohio State University in the eyes of the public you meet.
  • Wear a nametag noting The Ohio State University alumni designation.
  • Know current tuition and general facts about the university. You can find this information on the Overview brochure that came in your box of materials or at undergrad.osu.edu.
  • Say “I don’t know” when you don’t. If you are uncertain about the answer to a question, please direct prospective students and family members to the appropriate source, i.e., either Undergraduate Admissions at 614-292-3980 or undergrad.osu.edu.
  • Enjoy yourself!

DON’T…

  • Make any statement, guess or promise regarding the possibility of a student’s admissibility to Ohio State. Many factors are considered when making an admissions decision besides a student’s ACT/SAT score and class rank. Therefore, only Undergraduate Admissions can make decisions regarding admissibility based on the student’s entire profile.
  • Make any comment or promise regarding financial aid eligibility. Please encourage students to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before February 1.
  • Sit at the college fair table eating or reading the newspaper and/or other materials.
  • Solicit students from other representatives at a college fair.