Retintion Blame
Who is at fault when studnts drop a course or drops out all together? Attitude is a key from everyone invovled, no one is to blame it usually is a cluster of factors leading to the decision to stop. Support in all senses of the word financial, physical, morale,curriculume and sometimes even spiritual help is needed to assiste a student in making a wise decision that is right for them.
Obviously, the blame game can be devastating to any organization. Is that an issue on your campus? What can you do to make sure retention initiatives stay positive?
It is basic human nature that when bad things happen,problems occure,expectations are not met that we have to blame someone.When it comes to student retention there is not any one person to blame. We should all really listen to our students problems. Many times it is a simple matter of sending them to the right department for help. Do not assume they know where to go.
The blame game is generally counter-productive. What can you do to keep the review process positive and proactive, Frank?
After teaching at MMI for 20 plus years I have found that the most common are:
• Homesickness and feeling that you don’t fit in. It’s a whole new world out there, and you may not be ready to embrace it.
• Personal or family issues. You may have had an unfortunate illness in the family or you yourself just got totally get stressed out from the workload.
• Financial constraints. Tuition costs continue to soar, and scholarships or grants are not always available. Additionally, financial situations can change from year to year.
• Too much fun — but not enough education. Some students take advantage of their friendships, which could put them on academic probation due to suffering grades or absence in classes.
• Setting sights on the wrong vocation. You may have wanted to be a mechanic but after taking several classes, you decided that you’re rather go into something less physical.
• External demands, particularly within part time or full time employment. Can we say Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook? When the job puts too many demands on you, you may have to choose, and money usually wins out.
