A few weeks ago, we explored how Slate.org can revolutionize your institution and support the high school counselors you work with. Today, we’re taking it a step further by diving into the full potential of the Slate-iverse! Implementing a Slate.org portal is simpler than it may seem, and it opens up a world of opportunities for fostering deeper connections between your institution and the high schools you serve.
Slate.org offers institutions the ability to share crucial application data, checklist items, decisions, deadlines, and more. By utilizing a portal, your institution can provide school counselors access to information, making a one stop shop for counselor FAQs.
This streamlined process not only saves time but also ensures that both your team and the counselors have the most up-to-date information at their fingertips.
Where to Start?
The Slate Knowledge Base is packed with valuable articles covering everything from the significance of Slate.org to its setup and best practices. To help you get started, here are a few key articles we recommend:
How Slate.org Works With Colleges
This Knowledge Base article provides a detailed guide on how to begin sharing specific data points with high school counselors through Slate.org.
It walks you through the necessary steps to customize what information you share, allowing you to tailor the data flow based on your institution’s needs. For example, you may want to give counselors access to details such as application rounds and status updates, but prefer to keep decisions or checklist items private. One thing to note—remember to update this annually as part of your cycle prep to make sure that counselors can only see the active rounds and periods.
The article will show you how to configure each of these data points individually, ensuring that you share exactly what’s needed without compromising sensitive information. With step-by-step instructions, you can easily set up the sharing preferences that best suit your communication strategy and data-sharing policies.
Slate.org Portals
The article on Slate.org Portals explains how to create and manage two types of portals: the Slate.org Application Portal and the Slate.org Organization Portal.
The Organization Portal allows institutions to share important information such as deadlines, scholarship links, and virtual tour videos, while the Application Portal is designed to display applicant-specific data like academic majors, decision details, and scholarship eligibility.
The article provides detailed instructions on how to customize these portals, including setting up queries, adding dynamic content, and testing the portals. It also covers methods for linking data points and managing the visibility of various application details.
Slate.org Application Sharing Settings
The article on Slate.org Application Sharing Settings provides an overview of how institutions can manage the sharing of application data with high school counselors through Slate.org.
It explains the process for configuring settings related to application rounds, statuses, checklists, and materials. Institutions can opt-in to share specific data, such as application rounds and statuses, with counselors, customizing what they can view.
The article also details how to share checklists and materials, allowing counselors to upload documents on behalf of applicants. It emphasizes the flexibility to adjust settings at any time, enabling institutions to tailor what data is shared based on their needs.
Tips & Tricks from TPG
Test Regularly
The last thing you want is for inaccurate or outdated information to reach your counselors, causing confusion and taking up more time for your team.
Regular testing helps catch any issues before they become bigger problems, ensuring that the information you share is always accurate and up-to-date. This not only prevents unnecessary confusion but also ensures a smoother, more efficient experience for both your counselors and your staff.
Take the time to test regularly, and you’ll save valuable time and resources down the line.
Offer Counselor Training
Your local or top feeder schools could greatly benefit from a walkthrough of your Slate.org portals.
Hosting training sessions or informational webinars gives counselors a chance to familiarize themselves with the system and learn how to navigate the portal effectively. It’s also a great opportunity to strengthen your relationships with schools, showing that you value their partnership and are committed to making the application process as seamless as possible.
By offering this support, you not only enhance the counselors’ experience but also build trust and collaboration with the schools you work with.
And to take it one step further, involve them in the planning process! Ask what information they’d like to see or what they may currently receive from other institutions.
Use Automation to Your Benefit
Automated communication within Slate.org is a key feature for saving time and streamlining processes.
Creating communication plans at the beginning of your Slate.org journey will save valuable time in the long run. Email notifications for key events (like when an applicant submits their application or when a counselor uploads a document) can cut down on constant upkeep while ensuring everyone is still in the loop.
Start Your Slate.org Journey With Help from The Parish Group
Whether your institution is interested in a Slate implementation, optimization, or simply needs Slate support on a regular basis, The Parish Group is a Slate Gold Partner and can help you maximize the power of this CRM.
Our Slate experts are well-versed in the slate.org world. Our Senior Director of Slate Strategies Katie Jordan presented on Slate.org at Slate Summit in 2023, showcasing customizations like school inquiry lists, the ability to nominate a student within Slate.org, and tracking high school visit schedules.
We offer a variety of Slate services to choose from, including implementations, optimizations, and even annual retainers so you can utilize the most effective CRM in higher ed with support from a Slate team that specializes in enrollment management.
To learn more, reach out at success@parishgroup.com or call our office at 828.505.3000 for a free consultation.
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