Friends University Senior Director of Enrollment Management and Recruiting

Written by Alexis Evans

For years, you’ve helped prepare your child for back-to-school: You’ve made sure they had the right notebooks, pens, backpacks and new clothes to begin the school year with a fresh start. Now your child is an adult and getting ready for college, which can feel overwhelming to say the least. If you’re feeling a little lost and unsure of these new waters, take a look at this quick guide from Crystal Roach, Friends University senior director of enrollment management and recruiting. 

Q. What’s the first thing you recommend students do for back-to-school prep? 

A. Make sure you are completing all of the necessary admissions and enrollment steps, and if you’re not sure, ask! This also includes accepting the financial aid package, and establishing and regularly checking student email. Once those items are done, begin purchasing books, school supplies and necessary tech equipment. Students should begin communicating with future roommates if possible and make sure they have what they need to make their dorm room feel like home.

Q. What are some challenges you’ve seen students face that could easily be avoided?

A. One mistake I see often is when students and parents don’t pay attention to important communications from colleges, or they don’t inquire if they don’t understand the next steps in the admissions and enrollment process. If you find yourself and your student in this situation, your admissions team is eager to help you! Asking questions or letting someone know you don’t understand can be uncomfortable, but there is zero shame. It helps the college understand when or where confusion may come through, and you will certainly not be the only one with that question.

Q. Can you provide a few positive ways that the university helps students transition back into school? 

A. Two of my daughters attended four-year universities, and one daughter attended a technical college. The four-year schools did a great job of having on-campus activities and orientations during the first few weeks of college to help students stay busy, and to help students meet and interact with peers and roommates. The technical college was a bit different because my daughter lived at home, but they also were proactive in offering student success resources. 

Q. What resources are available to students that you wish more students would take advantage of?

A. Friends University’s incredible faculty and staff are dedicated to their students, and ready to help any student (or parent) who is struggling. If students are struggling academically or with a certain subject in one of their classes, we also have a completely free Academic Resource Center (ARC) which is fully staffed with tutors in all subjects, as well as help with proofreading papers and test preparation. This office is also helpful for students that might have had an IEP or 504 plan in high school. The ARC/ADA office can help with securing necessary classroom accommodation.

Q. What advice would you give to families navigating the college admissions process for the first time?

A. Visit the campus and schedule extra time to meet with admissions. Help your student become familiar with campus and the community that surrounds the campus. If your student will be attending from out of town, knowing what stores, gas stations, doctors’ offices and churches are close to campus eases that transition.

Q. What is your favorite part about back-to-school? 

A. Seeing students back on campus, whether it’s their first time or they are returning. I love seeing them begin their journey and watching as they evolve through their time at Friends University and spread their wings to go make a difference in the world when they finish. They are the reason I am here!