Dina-Athena,
Sounds like you have a good 'hand off' between admissions and advising, and I really like that the advisors meet with the students weekly.
Susan Backofen
Lynda ,
That is wonderful that you address these issues up front! You mentioned you incorporate humor, how do you do that?
Susan Backofen
Session on academic success such as note taking skills, tutoring help in all classes ( we show them where to go and how to complete the paperwork) session on time management. Since they work with their admissions reps for 1 month we continue to have this network for 21 days and then after introduce them to their academic advisor who meets with them weekly from that point further.
We try to incorporate humor into our orientations. We play music as they enter the room, and talk to them about their families, goals, etc. to let them know that we are approachable. I have a mini lecture on how stress and fear can affect their outlooks, how to overcome this, and the importance of communication with us to form a solid support system. We have open door policies, and always try to maintain a high level of customer service.
At our new student orientations, the Campus President, Director of Career Services, and Chief of Academics, conducts a Power Point presentation to discuss the history, programs, and other items to help new students get acclimated to their surroundings. Student board members assist with a campus tour, address common questions, directing the new students to various workshops such as how to log onto the student portal, receive schedules, and books and supplies.
Having a discussion on the need for respecting each other and respecting the different ideas and experiences they have.
Perhaps getting up and introducing themselves for the first time in front of their peers.
Cheryl,
I really like that this approach is so proactive.
Susan Backofen
Students attend an orientation session before classes begin for the term -- I do my best to attend these sessions since it allows me to "see and be seen" by the student population.
Since I've been teaching at the institution for some time quite a number of students in future classes enter mine on the basis of a word of mouth recommendation -- I think it really adds value if the student can meet me before the class begins the following week.
I agree - no matter how much you put yourself out there, some students will not come forward. We meet with students at 7 and then again 30 days at a minimum, just to gauge how they are doing.
HI - After this lesson, I am curious how you feel this works, Deborah. Wouldn't focusing on their "readiness" make them more fearful and feel less adequate?
We talk about the things they can do going forward to be more successful while they are here. ("Students who have been most successful tend to have healthy diets and find some time for exercise and relaxation")and offer concrete ideas and support. (I stop short of making their lunch though, tee hee)
If the instructor sees that a student is having
some fears, usually they are referred to the Director of Education. The Director then speaks to the student one-on-one to see what is the problem. If further counseling is required, then it is taken to the owner of the school.
The student is given a tour of the entire
school. The school catalog is gone over
in its entirety again to refresh the student.
Basically phone calls and emails. We do also have a student portal where any student can request "tutorias" at any time.
Monica,
Your 100 first days program sounds wonderful! Are there any other proactive things you do in this program?
Susan Backofen
We have a implemented some actions to address student fears. One of them is a session with a tutor that can be requested at any time. Our tutors as senior students that guide and encourage our students. We also run a 100 first days program for the new brand students, during this period of time the Tutor guide them to our environment.
Since we are an online institution we also offer a Live Demo Tour of our platform, this is also a good opportunity to the students ask questions.
The faculty approach to the students very often as well and direct any potential student at risk to me (student affairs department)
There aren't any that I know of that are during orientations.mi do know that during process of getting the students acclimated, there are many times during the process that the staff ensures them of the many avenues to he getting them comfortable with their environment, and all of the processes that will help them succeed.
I do not attend orientation; mainly the directors and leads are there. The lead instructors do demo’s so it gives them time to interact with the new students.
David,
Ambassador programs can be highly effective! Sounds like you have a great program
Susan Backofen
Renee,
Allowing students to meet their instructors prior to the first day of class always helps to reduce some of the 'first day' stresses.
Susan Backofen
