IECA Supports NACAC’s Proposal on International Recruitment

May 24, 2011 - PRLog -- The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) announced a proposed clarification of its Statement of Principles of Good Practice to clarify that the restriction on commission-based recruiting applies to indicate that the recruitment of students in any context, whether domestic or international. IECA supports and has advocated for this clarification, as we have always believed that the use of agents—domestically or internationally—is unethical.

“This is a welcome development from NACAC,” commented IECA President Dodge Johnson. “Colleges will be better served, and establish themselves as ethical internationally as well as nationally, by ending the practice of supporting fee-for-student agents, which is already illegal within the United States.”

The role of international agents, paid on a per-head basis for students enrolling in some U.S. colleges, was debated at length at the 2010 NACAC National Conference. IECA’s Executive Director, Mark Sklarow, spoke at several forums expressing the Association's concern that when individuals are compensated based on specific recruitments, the best interest of the student is compromised. NACAC’s professional practices committee reviewed the rules related to the use of commissioned agents this year. The new language was proposed by the overseas ACAC.

NACAC's Statement of Principles of Good Practice states that member advisors "will not offer or accept any reward or remuneration from a college, university, agency, or organization for placement or recruitment of students. Members will be compensated in the form of a fixed salary, rather than commissions or bonuses based on the number of students recruited.

The NACAC Board of Directors proposes adding the following interpretation statement:
“c. will apply this principle equally to all employees and contracted agents working inside or outside the U.S.”

IECA has expressed concern in recent years about the use of such fee-based agents, urging colleges looking for potential international students to work more closely with independent educational consultants. These professionals are hired directly by families to assist in the search process and seek to make the best possible match between student and school. Because they refuse any compensation from colleges, they are truly independent, working for the student.  IECA's international membership has grown in recent years to include professionals in 20 countries.

About IECA
Established in 1976, the Independent Educational Consultants Association is the nation’s leading organization representing independent school and college advisors working in private practice. IECA member educational consultants are professionals who assist students and families with educational decision-making. Their educational backgrounds, specialized training, campus visitations, and professional experience equip them to help students choose schools, colleges, or programs that meet their individual needs and goals. Membership in the association requires consultants to meet IECA’s professional standards and subscribe to its Principles of Good Practice. Members continually update their knowledge and maintain skills through IECA-sponsored meetings, workshops, training programs, and information exchanges with colleges.



Media Contact:
Sarah Brachman
IECA Manager of Communications
sarah@iecaonline.com
703-591-4850 ext. 11