FAST Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Private School News // February 17, 2016

Q: Families often ask me what they can “expect” as an award when they turn in their financial aid applications. They tell me how much they make in a year, thinking that their salaries will be enough information for me to offer a rough award estimate on the spot. Do you have any advice on how to respond?

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Toot Your Own Horn: Writing Effective Bios

Private School News // February 17, 2016

Bios (short for “biography”) are one of those odd professional documents that people never think they’ll be called on to write … until they are. Whether it’s for a blurb in an Open House bulletin or a longer “About Me” page on the school website, professional and engaging bios appear more often than you think—and are often your prospective audience’s first impression of you and your work. That said, bios can be extremely difficult to write. You know yourself and your accomplishments better than anyone, making you the best person to write the bio, but “tooting your own horn” can feel intrinsically uncomfortable. Fear not! There are tricks for pushing through your initial unease. So let’s take a look at how to write the three most common bios you’ll be called on to provide.

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Three TED Talks for Development Directors

Advancement // February 11, 2016

A dose of inspiration can be the best cure to the winter blues, which sap our motivation and creativity. To re-energize you for the second half of the academic year marathon, we found three motivational videos for you to watch over your lunch break (or during your afternoon sanity check).

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Smile for Donations

Advancement // February 11, 2016

In 2014, online megastore Amazon boasted nearly $90 billion in net sales. It currently hosts 54 million “Prime” shoppers subscribing for special deals and the coveted 2-day free shipping option. And now, using the AmazonSmile program, a percentage of those sales can go toward your nonprofit private-independent school.

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7 Ways to Host the Best “Accepted Student Day” Ever!

Advancement // February 10, 2016

While your Admission Office is busy determining who will receive a coveted invitation to attend your school in the 2016-2017 academic year, it’s time to start thinking about how you will convince those accepted students to attend your school. Accepted Student Days are a great way to continue to court those families you’ve determined are mission-appropriate by welcoming them to your campus for a special, accepted-students-only reception, encouraging them to build relationships with current families and faculty. Make your Accepted Student Day an unforgettable event and a wonderful recruitment tool with these seven tips.

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Two (More) Reasons Why Families Leave Your School

Advancement // February 10, 2016

In our last Source issue, we discussed two root causes why parents may choose to withdraw their children from your school: safety concerns and “financial reasons.” This month, we’d like to take a look at two more reasons why re-enrollment is a top priority for your Admission Office this spring. While these aren’t the only problems to watch out for and address during your re-recruitment, they’re certainly common enough to warrant special attention as you continue to court your currently enrolled families for the 2016-2017 academic year.

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10 Compliant Midyear Hiring Practices

Business and Operations // February 4, 2016

Midyear hiring emergencies happen, well, at any time. An employee may need to leave with little or no time to prepare a replacement. To minimize the amount of downtime your school experiences during one of the busiest times of the year while mitigating potential risk of lawsuits, make sure your search aligns with these best hiring practices.

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Ask ISM's Health Care Reform Specialist

Business and Operations // February 4, 2016

Q: We give our employees who do not take our health insurance an additional $100 a month. I am now told that this will go against us when we talk about the cost of health insurance. Why am I being penalized for this policy?

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Facilities: More Than a Line Item

Business and Operations // February 4, 2016

Having dedicated faculty is one of the biggest—ISM research indicates that it’s the biggest—indicator of student success and satisfaction. But little learning can be done in facilities that aren’t conducive to learning, as the Detroit Public Schools have found out. After recent teacher “sick outs” shutting down dozens of schools to protest lack of support and resources, news exposés have revealed serious health and safety threats to students due to deteriorating buildings.

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Managing Bias on Campus

Business and Operations // February 3, 2016

Being biased is a natural part of being human. Our experiences, culture, and lifestyles have shaped our conscious and subconscious biases. However, when it affects decision-making and disrupts your school’s culture, it becomes problematic—possibly, legally problematic. Schools especially are driven to cultivate an environment of diversity and difference. As empowering as diversity can be, these natural biases can also make your school vulnerable to biased situations without proper guidance, nurturing, and education/HR training.

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