Commissioned Agents and NACAC's Code of Ethics Series
For some colleges and universities partnering with commissioned agents to recruit international students is part of a multifaceted admission strategy. NACAC maintains a healthy concern over the potential effects of commissioned recruiting and is committed to advancing best practices.
This series aims to guide NACAC members in the responsible use of commissioned agents in international student recruitment. The content, divided into six parts, will assist members in the implementation of the new requirements established in NACAC's Code of Ethics and Professional Practices, first approved by the association’s Assembly in September 2017. Periodically, NACAC collects detailed information about agents on its annual surveys to better understand the impact of commissioned agents on the college admission counseling process. This research brief highlights findings from 2015-2018.
NACAC Admission Trends Survey Data
Percentage of institutions that worked with agents in 2017-2018
Percentage of institutions that provided training manuals in 2017-2018
Percentage of institutions that list agency contacts on a student-facing website in 2017
Resource Papers
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Part 1: Trends in Commission-Based International Student Recruitment
Explore the current landscape of international student recruitment and the use of commission-based recruitment agencies and agents.
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Part 2: Legal Requirements and Accreditation Standards
Learn how accreditation and laws in the countries from which and in which an institution or agency operates influence compliance.
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Part 3: Vetting and External Training
Institutions should exercise care in the selection of agencies. Learn how to identify and vet prospective partners.
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Part 4: Contracts
Review the elements of a contract and stipulations to protect the institution and students.
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Part 5: Institutional Transparency
Learn more about specific requirements, such as the provision that the names and contact information of all commissioned agents must be included on institutional websites.
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Part 6: Institutional Training, Ongoing Supervision of Agency Activity, and Student Monitoring
Explore how to assess the performance of agencies, as well as that of students recruited via agent partners.
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Perspectives & Resources
Perspective: Maintaining Sustainable and Fruitful Partnerships with International Student Recruitment Agents
Jake Reckford, a client manager at IDP Connect, shares his perspective from the agency-side on what it takes to develop successful institution-agent partnerships.
Agent Contracts: A Cornerstone of Agent Partnerships
Senior Admissions Officer at a public Midwestern institution shares the lessons learned from the institution's 10 years of experience working with agents.
One Chancellor's Comprehensive Approach to Agent-Based Recruiting
Read a chancellor's perspective on international recruitment strategies, senior management involvement, and their impact on community colleges.
International Student Recruitment Agent Management
A Canadian member institution shares their process of establishing and managing agent networks.
Wading Into the Waters of International Student Recruitment Agents
Read a member's experience navigating institution-agent relationships.
Roles and Responsibilities for Universities and International Recruitment Agents
Jaishankar Raman, Assistant Provost for International Affairs at Valparaiso University (IN), shares his perspective on how their process of selecting agent partners to maintain successful relationships has evolved over 10 years of working with commission-based agents.