Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

AMEN! The effectiveness is in sharing the appropriate information in a centralized manner so that whomever is in charge of retention efforts can see the big picture! Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Team Approach in Orientation

Monica-- Do you have some interactive activities that students do to get them up and moving around? Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Addressing Student Fears

Monica-- Welcome! This is an excellent practice. Be sure as your school grows that you keep that same 'family' feeling among the employees and students. It makes all the difference. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Enhancing First Week Activities

Excellent! Peer support is an important key to retention and this type of ice-breaker is highly effective. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Sharing Student Information

Sharon-- Student information is made available to those with a 'need' to access it. Faculty clearly could make good use to assist students in attaining their educational goals by having interests, obstacles, etc. available. The module on involving faculty at orientation also discusses methods of having faculty collect this information themselves. Obviously, this is not information that you would want to post anywhere, but having it easily accessible to faculty and staff so they can personalize their interactions with students to help them stay in school and graduate is a huge benefit.

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Enhancing First Week Activities

Richard-- EXCELLENT exercise! It must really break the ice. I can only imagine some of the information you must get; and it really makes it a personal experience for all involved. Kudos! Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Sharing Student Information

Beth-- The letter idea IS a wonderfuly one, isn't it? I think it is especially helpful to utilize along the way when students may get discouraged. And, they really find them inspirational to receive back at graduation. It helps them to realize how much they really have accomplished. My understanding of the concept is pretty simple: Why they are attending---what are they goals and aspirations? What will completing their college education do for them? This is followed by identifying the 'heaven forbid' things that could keep them from completing their education. Additional questions could be added such as 'if I… >>>

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Addressing Student Fears

James-- Great idea! I have seen many walls of 'fame'...but never heard of it being done by department. That's an excellent improvement on the idea! Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Enhancing First Week Activities

Someone in a previously discussion thread had a regular lunch meeting with a small group of students to hear what they had to say. It's an excellent practice and I am always surprised at what students suggest! Sometimes administrators are reluctant to do that, but it pays big dividends in retention and student satisfaction. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Team Approach in Orientation

Awesome to include all departments and the introduction of student ambassadors as well! I image that while the student abassadors are moving them around campus they have excellent opportunities to answer questions. Do you have a specific training program for your ambassadors? What other types of activities do they do for you?