Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Ty-- Excellent point. Not everything we do to build community with our institutions has to take place AT our facilities. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Addressing Student Fears

Ty-- I love the job opportunity and transportation information. As you are no doubt aware, these are major obstacles to students retention. Addressing these up front is terrific! Have you thought about also including social services and/or child care? Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Team Approach in Orientation

Jennifer-- The survey is an excellent idea! Have you made specific changes as a result of the feedback? Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Addressing Student Fears

Robert-- This is very true. For the most part, education is a means to an end...to a rewarding career where they can make enough money to have the lifestyle they want. Providing them with accurate information early and consistently is extremely important. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Team Approach in Orientation

Terry-- Excellent...and very true. The more connections students have to the school, the more likely they are to persist. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Sharing Student Information

Juliette-- I really like the scavenger hunt, making it fun for students to acclimate to campus resources. You do have to be aware of FERPA, however this does not exclude providing appropriate information with their advisor that will assist the student in attaining their educational goals. Great job Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Team Approach in Orientation

Michael-- This sounds like a great program. I bet your students are very excited with this experience. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Enhancing First Week Activities

Elizabeth-- That sounds like a wonderful process. Including all the faculty and providing opportunity for them to interact with each other and build relationships is outstanding. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Team Approach in Orientation

Juliette-- This sounds like a wonderful process. I especially like the program Dean demonstrating as this allows students to get excited about their career and builds credibility about the faculty. Great job! Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Sharing Student Information

Matt-- Regarding the privacy issues, FERPA et al allow for sharing of information on a 'need to know'. The information shared with faculty should be focused on things that will help that student succeed. My guess is that even though you don't receive any information, you generally gather it (again) by interacting with the students and/or faculty sharing that among themselves as you have indicated. The point of this suggestion is that the 'learning curve' is significantly decreased for the rest of the institution to be able to help students sooner if that information is shared somehow. I agree, you… >>>