Colleges with Great Admin!

[Anonymous]

I had a terrible experience with my university in regards to the disorganization of admissions, advisory, student portal and all other admin offices. I can only imagine that the college experience is less frustrating and stressful with a well oiled machine.

What universities have a reputation for being well organized administrations? I know this can change from year to year, but I'm looking for a broad overview.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had a terrible experience with my university in regards to the disorganization of admissions, advisory, student portal and all other admin offices. I can only imagine that the college experience is less frustrating and stressful with a well oiled machine.

What universities have a reputation for being well organized administrations? I know this can change from year to year, but I'm looking for a broad overview.

I would bet that privates with deep pockets do it better than publics as a general rule.

[Anonymous]

To be honest, if they're good, you shouldn't really notice.

I mean, we've found things like outdated websites, overcrowded tours, etc. That would seem to indicate some disorganization.

Among publics, I felt like Pitt had among the best tours and presentations. But I'd just be guessing at whether that means the administration is good.

[Anonymous]

Almost all the colleges seem to use the same portal. How were they disorganized?

[Anonymous]

Most top tier private schools.
Even highly ranked public flagships have trouble with this.

[Anonymous]

The university in question is still using People Soft and is just not transitioning to Workday.

Looking for a combo of good tech + good people.

I think an updated and functional website is bare minimum.

[Anonymous]

My DS ended up not attending, but I was very impressed with VCU during the admissions process. I called with questions and was able to speak to an actual person who could give me a definitive answer. Everyone was very polite.

[Anonymous]

Have consistently heard positive things about responsive administration at Elon University and Muhlenberg College.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have consistently heard positive things about responsive administration at Elon University and Muhlenberg College.

Muhlenberg was great. Deep pockets Ivy my kid chose is always late with timeliness and not the best with info overall.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To be honest, if they're good, you shouldn't really notice.

I mean, we've found things like outdated websites, overcrowded tours, etc. That would seem to indicate some disorganization.

Among publics, I felt like Pitt had among the best tours and presentations. But I'd just be guessing at whether that means the administration is good.

pitt's admin is atrocious

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DS ended up not attending, but I was very impressed with VCU during the admissions process. I called with questions and was able to speak to an actual person who could give me a definitive answer. Everyone was very polite.

This is the feedback I am looking for! It seems so small, but it makes such a difference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DS ended up not attending, but I was very impressed with VCU during the admissions process. I called with questions and was able to speak to an actual person who could give me a definitive answer. Everyone was very polite.

This is the feedback I am looking for! It seems so small, but it makes such a difference.

I'd look for a smaller school if you want this kind of vibe - my DD just finished her first year at Assumption U in Massachusetts and we were really impressed with their approach. You don't get a "red tape" feel at all, all of the admin know each other and work collaboratively. I had a question about our bill and unlike with my experience at my DS's school (UMASS) where I got a "you need to call this office and talk to them, sorry can't help you" Assumption was friendly and helpful. The woman I spoke with in financial aid told me exactly who to talk to in student accounts, by name, connected us via email, and followed up with me the next day. You might think those interactions don't matter but they do to many families.

[Anonymous]

I can share my experience with atrocious admin: Georgetown is absolutely terrible. No one ever answers a phone and it takes weeks to get responses via email, if they bother to reply at all. So incredibly frustrating and disappointing given the price tag.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DS ended up not attending, but I was very impressed with VCU during the admissions process. I called with questions and was able to speak to an actual person who could give me a definitive answer. Everyone was very polite.

This is the feedback I am looking for! It seems so small, but it makes such a difference.

I'd look for a smaller school if you want this kind of vibe - my DD just finished her first year at Assumption U in Massachusetts and we were really impressed with their approach. You don't get a "red tape" feel at all, all of the admin know each other and work collaboratively. I had a question about our bill and unlike with my experience at my DS's school (UMASS) where I got a "you need to call this office and talk to them, sorry can't help you" Assumption was friendly and helpful. The woman I spoke with in financial aid told me exactly who to talk to in student accounts, by name, connected us via email, and followed up with me the next day. You might think those interactions don't matter but they do to many families.

Small vs Big has nothing to do with it.
It's private vs public (which UMASS is)
My kid goes to a large private with 19K undergrads. I had a question about summer parking. The lady on the phone had me pull up the campus map, indicated which lots, the sign up process, how to avoid being charged a full month in August, etc etc. She did everything but sign up for me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can share my experience with atrocious admin: Georgetown is absolutely terrible. No one ever answers a phone and it takes weeks to get responses via email, if they bother to reply at all. So incredibly frustrating and disappointing given the price tag.

But given the state of the endowment, their poorly maintained facilities, and previous student reports, you can't possibly be surprised.