Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

It probably is...but the thought of me doing the mechanical things is painful for me. That should be a lesson for us to always appreciate where students are coming from. Designing an orientation that addresses different learning styles and personalities is a challenge but very effective if you can incorporate those theories. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Enhancing First Week Activities

Tony-- TOO FUNNY! Perhaps you should have them design a new motor or something! Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Team Approach in Orientation

Tony-- You are right, having the students move around is a double-edged sword. It does get them familiar with the location of every office. On the other hand, it also lends itself to having them 'get lost' and/or walk out the door. Perhaps if you broke them in to groups that did this together you would also accomplish a couple other objectives like getting them to interact with each other. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Team Approach in Orientation

Faith-- What a great idea to have your Career Services group coordinate the orientation. I don't believe I have heard of anyone doing that before and it makes tons of sense! That is, afterall, why the students are there. Good for you! Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Enhancing First Week Activities

Tony-- Don't get discouraged...retention is a process! Even after you implement a good system you will always be looking for ways to improve it. The Career Services workshops sound like a great idea. What type of work do they do in their groups? Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Sharing Student Information

Faith-- AWESOME! I really love the idea of the 'Heaven Forbid' paper. That is really a great idea. Sounds like you are doing an excellent job of collecting and sharing the appropriate information. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Team Approach in Orientation

Julius-- Excellent idea! This is a great way to get students excited about their program right away and begin to develop a feel for the classroom. I'm assuming they also go over program requirements (e.g. attendance, etc.) during this time? Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Enhancing First Week Activities

Christine-- Food is always good! If you want interaction and attendance, it is generally the best way to get people to interact. It's a wonderful opportunity to informally ... and formally ... talk with students and take their temperature on issues. Wonderful! Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Enhancing First Week Activities

Matthew-- GOOD FOR YOU! It is very impressive to have a Director so committed to interacting personally with students. This is such an important thing to students and sets a wonderful example for your employees. Exceptional customer service starts with a commitment from the top. Kudos! Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Enhancing First Week Activities

Jessie-- Great ideas...especially keeping Admissions involved at some level. The scavenger hunt is a fun way to get them familiar with finding important information. Unfortunately, the college catalog is never high on a student's list of materials to read and they have all kinds of great information. Susan