5 Ways to Boost January Enrolment

Happy November! It's not hard to think of Christmas and the new year here in Calgary right now, with our blanket of snow and sub-zero temperatures... it got me thinking of enrolment trends for second semester...

Did you know that many prospective students -- even mature students, don't know that they can start classes in January? If your enrolment numbers are astoundingly high right now, you may not need to make a push for January enrolment... but if you could use a boost in enrolment, here are a few ideas:

1. Promotional campaign... a "bold sign" road side announcement proclaiming January enrolment options
2. Radio ad (see if you can get it sponsored by a local business)
3. Newspaper ad (especially effective for attracting mature students/community ed/continuing ed)
4. A special brochure or small poster for your display table focusing on January enrolment
5. Christmas "gift certificates", good for the cost of a class... promote these on your parent page and/or semester-end mailout. While you're at it, throw in a free gingerbread latte card for your campus cafe...

Most of all, don't forget that just when it feels like you're getting SICK of your brand, logo, promotional campaign... others are JUST beginning to recognize it. You are immersed in it, but many don't even know you exist, or have misconceptions about how and when you offer your services (even your own students!). Tell them how it's going to be done... tell them you're doing it, and then tell them how you did it... they'll get the picture AND pass it on.