Guidelines for Admissions Communication

Admissions Offers Are Exclusively Issued by Woolf

For strict regulatory compliance, only Woolf, as the accrediting institution, can determine and issue offers of admission to its programs. Member colleges are not authorized to communicate offers of admission under any circumstances.

Prohibited Actions for Colleges

• Do not issue official-looking letters or emails that may imply or state that an offer of admission has been granted.
• Avoid any verbal congratulations or written statements that could be interpreted as the college extending an admission offer.
• Admission offers, provisional or otherwise, must not be communicated by colleges.

Only after Woolf has officially admitted a student can colleges welcome the student to their community with congratulatory communications.

Why This Policy Matters

Violations of this policy:

• Create distress for applicants whose applications may later be unsuccessful.
• Damage the credibility and trust of Woolf and its colleges.
• Breach accreditation standards set by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA).

By adhering to these guidelines, colleges help ensure clarity, compliance, and professionalism in their admissions communication.

Guidelines for Clear and Compliant Communication

General Guidance

1. Avoid Ambiguity in Written Communication

   • Refrain from using language that suggests or implies an admission offer has been made.
   • Do not use terms like "provisional offer" or phrases that could be misinterpreted as an offer.

2. Specific Phrasing Tips

   • If recommending a student for admission, explicitly state in bold that only Woolf determines admission decisions.
   • Use clear, specific language when congratulating students—for example, congratulate them on completing application steps, not on gaining admission.
   • Enthusiastically express support for the candidate’s suitability for the program, but ensure this does not suggest an admission offer is guaranteed.

3. Verbal and Email Communication

   • Train staff to handle student queries carefully, ensuring no misunderstandings regarding the status of applications or admissions decisions.

4. Consult Woolf Template

   • Use the Woolf-provided template for admissions communications to avoid accidental violations of this policy.

Performance-Based Admissions (PBA) Communication

For students on the Performance-Based Admissions (PBA) pathway:

• Clearly communicate that PBA students are joining courses without formal admission to a degree program.
• Explain that successful performance in courses is required for admission to a degree.
• Never misrepresent their status by implying they are studying towards a degree when they have not yet been admitted.

Staff Training and Compliance

Mandatory Training

It is the responsibility of each college to:

• Train all staff involved in admissions, sales, and academic support on these communication policies.
• Ensure consistent compliance to maintain transparency in the admissions process.

Reinforcing Woolf’s Reputation

By following these guidelines:

• Colleges protect students from misleading communication.
• Colleges maintain their professional integrity and uphold Woolf’s accreditation standards.

For questions or guidance on admissions communication, colleges should contact registrar@woolf.education.

If Students Have Concerns

Should students have questions or concerns about their application status, direct them to Woolf’s Registrar at registrar@woolf.education for accurate information and support.

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