Susan Backofen

To all-- Do any of your have any formal 'hand off' from Admissions to Education in the way of documentation (outside of the Application for Admission)? Notes, in or out of your computer system, etc. Susan

All current participants--- If you haven't read Matthew's comments concerning regular meetings with students I would encourage you to do so. These are excellent ways to help students feel connected and to improve services. It is also something that is great for accrediting self-studies!

Matthew-- Excellent! That is the whole point, after all....students see school as a necessary process to get from where they are to where they want to be. Careers, and the lifestyle that provides, are the bottom line for students.

Matthew-- This is a wonderful program and I hope that you continue it. Many school directors are anxious about holding such events in fear they will get 'ganged up on'. I applaud you! I'm assuming, also, that things they suggest that are doable are then implemented. Do you have some way of communicating to the rest of the students that you have heard and acted on these? It's great PR follow through. Susan

Bret-- Absolutely true regarding financial aid. Students often tell them much more--partly due to the fact they must collect some highly confidential things anyway. Is there some type of formal sharing of appropriate information that would help with retention?

Great Estelle! Do you do any formal activities to help them get to know each other?

Jessie-- This is awesome! Certainly a 'best practice' that could easily be adopted by others. Kudos!

EXCELLENT! Having faculty involved in the actual admissions process is a wonderful, effective tool for building relationships and setting realistic expectations. Is the information you collect during this process captured somehow for future use in retention activities? Susan

Jessie-- I have been in several colleges where they have a bulletin board in major areas with pictures, names and departments noted. Sometimes they set it up in a 'who to see about what' format which seems helpful (e.g. putting down the types of issues students may have and then displaying the photos, names, etc. under those). Don't know how effective that is in a measurable form, but it does seem like a very good idea. Something permanently available to students. Susan

Hello, Matthew! These are wonderful opportunities to find out what students are really experiencing and often provide great ideas for improvements. What method do you use for selecting the student participants? Do you have specific tactics you use during orientation to help them feel more comfortable? Susan