Consistently calling missing graduates is one of the best ways for me. Also send them emails with links to job postings to peak their interest and hopefully have them call me back.
Deloris
HI Richard
When students bond during school and afterwards it increases the chances for success while in school and after graduation. Thanks for the tip about myspace.com. Another way to keep in contact with students is to send frequent questionnaires and call when students are enrolled and after graduation. Also getting cell phone numbers increases the chances of staying connected with students and grads.
Best wishes
Susan
What Wanda said is correct. The students become friends and keep in touch. I know this may sound odd, but I have found some lost students on MYSPACE.COM!!!! What do you think of that?
Richard
HI Margaret
Thanks for the feedback. Hopefully cell phones will get more reliable as a contact source since many services allow you to keep your phone number even if you change service. The grad letter is really great. Has to be sent out regularly to catch those who move. We discover there has to be multiple strategies to solve each challenge.
Best wishes
Susan
I have found that the cell numbers only last a very short time. What I have found that does work is a "How are you doing" letter. This letter includes everything from and address change to stop by and see us, it also has my e-mail address. The grads seem to respond to this letter better than a call. Speaking with former classmates also help, the "kids" keep in touch with each other.
Kelli,
My experience has been that while in school the students create alliances. Find out who their friends were or their favorite teacher, they at most times will have had recent contacts with those missing in action people.
Wanda
Hi
This is a very good question. Here is what we have heard from other schools: Get the cell phone number when you start the student file. Ask for the name and cell phone of friends and relatives. Periodically go into the classroom and ask for contact information updates. Keep in touch with grads once a month to keep track of any changes. Keeping in touch has other benefits as well.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes
Susan
