Add much more actual instructor involvement for an effective student look at the programs and their dynamics.
We have a very good orientation process. The program is an extension of the admissions process and flows right into our first week process. Overall, our orientation process does a good job. However, we could strengthen it by adding a little more work on the pre-planning checklists for students and getting more mentoring candidates identified early.
Our orientation program should be ongoing. It should encompass not only the initial orientation to the program, but it should begin immediately with immersing the student into the program with hands-on activities, and not starting them with academic classes. By starting with the hands-on activities, the student will know fairly quickly if the program is, or is not for them.
Yes, finanical pressure can cause distress. However, where there is the will, there is a way. So, do all you can to keep the student's vision alive. What do I mean? They study to get the job, for the most part. If what they are studying does not link to their dream job, students worry about the value of their education. Hence, they drop.
Dr. B
Yes, students need to develop contingency plans. Finance is a big one. Also, link early in the admission process so that student get the same story on your programs.
Dr. B
How can our orientation be improved?
We have a very structured orientation that hits on all necessary points for new students. However, one component that we need to build upon is faculty and staff mixing more with the new students. This can be achieved by utilizing an empty classroom on campus, large enough to hold the group and faculty. Since orientation does not have to specifically be on day one or two only, we will implement this on the first day of their second week. I think this will be highly effective. Additionally, our first day orientation is in 3 days on Monday, therefore, this new process will be in effect immediately for this new start!
Thank you,
Shawn
Orientation programs should include a discusion of the many financial problems that may come up for the students. These pressures are often the root of the distress that cause a studen to drop out of school. If we,as a school, helped the perspective student to be prepared for these problems our retention rates would be better.
One topic that we have been talking about here is that students some times don't understand the financial problems that they may face. During the orientation some one should explain, in simple terms, what kind of problems might arise. Students are so excited about the prospect of their new life at school that often the reality of the cost maintaining themselves while in school is not fully comprehinded. This can become a retention issue later.
Naturally wired for social interaction is a big driver of retention. You got the idea.
Dr. B
helps to a person to people
It is time for us to revisit our orientation. I appreciate the idea of an ongoing orientation. While we cover much at the orientation before a student starts, they are overwhelmed and often forget much of what is covered. An ongoing orientation will reduce the pressure to cover everything at once. It will allow thoughtful questions and interactions to develop.
Yes, having the information card will help you to keep the "student's vision alive." We need to remind them why they enrolled in the first place. Make sense?
Dr. B
I think the idea of a survey is great to learn what the student knows about the field they are choosing as their career path. I like to hand out a card and ask them about their interests and concerns about the class they are enrolled in.
One thing I hear from our baking students on that first day, is they would find it helpful to know what they will be doing on their first day of class. Will they be baking? Will it just be lecture? It helps alleviate some of the stress of the "first day" when they come in with some sense of feeling prepared for the events of the day ahead.
Faculty speaking with students is great. Try to focus your conversations on building relationships. Why? A relationship equates to trust and trust, equals retention.
Dr. B
Our school is constantly trying new approaches for retention. By increasing participation from Faculty and Staff at the New Student Orientation we have been able to break the formality barrier and have students open-up with their questions. Several faculty will roam and speak with students about numerous topics and eventually get to the topics at hand- education. This has proven to be very effective.
Sounds great. The key is to do all that you can to form connections and relationships. Students want to know that you care... that they are just not a number.
Dr. B
Originally our orientations were very long, and boring, with students sitting for several hours. Now we have it set up as an enhanced tour with several "action station" stops around the school. The tour is conducted by a senior student and a faculty member. We have very large starts (~400) so we stagger the student arrivals by shift. This process keeps them engaged throughout.
Stress is a good word. Consider adding fascination and visualization. If students can become fascinated with the school and their program, they are likely to graduate.
Dr. B
Excellent idea. So, do all that you can to implement your idea. In fact, keeping communications alive during the first 2-3 terms helps improve retention.
Dr. B
