Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Brikell-- All of your efforts sounds like they must really pay off. Great job! I especially like how you balance building credibility with the faculty as well as how you will support the students. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Addressing Student Fears

Humerto-- It certainly sounds like you have an exceptional team there at your institution. Congrats! Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Enhancing First Week Activities

Gloria-- It certainly sounds like your admissions personnel collect a great deal of helpful information. Does any of the appropriate information (e.g. potential barriers) get passed along somehow? Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Addressing Student Fears

Jennifer-- That is an excellent point about a new 'language'. There are some many terms we use in education that are really truly foreign to most people and we often forget that. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Addressing Student Fears

Lisa-- I think both are important. Obviously, we do need all that required paperwork. Giving the students an opportunity to get to know each other and faculty/staff is also a key to student retention. It breaks down a lot of barriers and fears. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Addressing Student Fears

Donald-- This sounds like a great format, very thorough. I like that you have students introduce themselves so that they can get to know each other. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Enhancing First Week Activities

Albert-- I think this is a great idea. It will give everyone a little more information about each other as well as reinforce their goals. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Team Approach in Orientation

Amy-- Students seem to enjoy the progressive orientation...it gets them up and moving around and the side benefit is they get to know their way around. Having students introduce themselves is always a great way for people to feel they are part of a larger group and realize they have much more in common with their classmates than they initially thought. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Addressing Student Fears

Katianne-- While you might not know the particulars, it certainly sounds like you do a great job of reaching out and engaging your students. That certainly is a challenge online. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Enhancing First Week Activities

Mike-- Hands-on is always good. Students feel like they are actually 'doing' something and sometimes showing them how much they DON'T know is as valuable in the long-run. Susan