Reputation
All students should feel like they are in comfortable surroundings to assist them with fitting in. The credibility and the reputation of your facility will speak for itself at times, but do not forget to promote it.
Our students have the same familial relationships. When new students come in they "adopt" them, and when students graduate they have potlucks and going away parties. I agree that program length is a key contributor to why students do not have a connection with their school. We have short programs and it is hard to develop a relationship in 5 months.
Rebeccca,
Absolutely! That is one of the reasons I think incorporating faculty in to orientation is so important.
Susan Backofen
I agree reiterating the reputation of the school lets the students feel proud they are attending. I also think we should endorse the faculty and let the students know they have talented instructors teaching them.
David,
Wonderful observation. Reputation is built on history and so knowing and feeling that we are part of something that we are part of something larger builds confidence and pride.
Susan Backofen
to me reputation means history. if students learn about your reputation than they are hearing about your history. your history is a good indication of a schools future. from that reputation a student will decide weather they want to have a future with your institution.
Students should feel good about the choice they have made. It is important to every now and then brag on the school, their ranking and accredidation. Highlights make people feel comfortable; when there are great things to say about the company.
One way to increase the connection students have is to create cohorts of students who take all (or most) of their classes together. These cohorts allow students to create lasting relationships with each other and provide avenues for the school to remind them of their connection.
I agree! I'm at a "young" institution in the area and I've seen the difference in student organizations. It gives those that want to the experiece of traditional experiences the opportunity and the career college level.
Javaid,
I think the time they spend at the institution has something to do with it along with the involvement. Most career college students come to class and then go home or to work. More traditional students go to athletic events, have social gathering in their dorm rooms, etc. These interactions outside of class but still related to the institution are important. That is one reason why student clubs and organizations are helpful.
Susan Backofen
Yes; positive reinforcement is important otherwise students start doubting their decision about joining the school
Credibility comes mostly from accreditation and especially programmatic accreditation and keeping up the standards in classroom, labs and at clinical sites. It is the "total package" which brings good reputation
You are right, part of the reputation comes from how alumni behave and act. What do they say about school. I have been trying to figure out a phenomenon that I have noticed. The graduates from Career schools are less attached to their institute even if its excellent compared to graduates from traditional colleges/ universities. Does anybody have an opinion about that?
Bruce ,
It is a very fine line between helpful accomodate and empowering bad behavior, as you point out. We do need to keep the student in mind, which also means helping them to learn responsibility.
Susan Backofen
This is so true and often forgotten, or not instilled throughout the students’ tenure. Unfortunately, some instructors feel put out and exude a negative attitude when asked to try to accommodate a students need (needs).I believe we should try to always put ourselves in their shoes and not forget where we come from, so to speak.
Maria,
Excellent point! The reputation of the school is built primarly on the alumni performance and attitude.
Susan Backofen
The word reputation focuses on the institution and how they are perceived. But reputation can also refer to the student and their responsibilities towards the Institution. Each of us have attributes that makes us who we are not only to one self but how other view us. The Institution may have a stellar reputation but its because in large part to the students past, present and future that followed the rules, stayed the course, finished what they started and became better for it.
