I am new to this school, but I can see where the orientation and mentoring programs are useful and need to be ongoing. It is important that the student, the instructors and the school have a pulse on what the student is feeling and is experiencing to promote success.
Shanika,
Who does the telling? Are the students asked what they expect in return?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Marisela,
Less program information but connect with the faculty. Excite the students and engage them.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Dawn,
Items 1, 2, and 3 would be very good additions. A sample of student work might be more helpful then the syllabi. The latter can change before the student gets to all courses.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Vivian,
I've witnessed it both ways. However, Program information at orientation quite often needs to be repeated and reinforced early on and throughout a student's studies. Go light and what is needed to help the student start off on the right foot.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I believe honesty is the best policy. My college tells all prospect students the work load and expectations each program has for them. This can increase retention because the student knows what they're walking into.
The orientation process is vital to the school's success. I think that by having most of the faculty present to explain the coursework and topics, students would walk away with a better understanding of the courses and be more satisfied.
We have a general orientation then break out into core program orientation.
During the next orientation I would like to improve or add:
(1) instructor intro with credentials, experiance and a little personal info
(2) Stress instructor and tutoring availability with discussion of the "stigma" of tutoring and that it is to plan for success, not because of failure
(3) Do a time management activity including making a weekly schedule. include student discussion to assist in ID'ing areas of concern and solutions. This can be presented to family and friends for motivation and support.
(4) Present syllabus and allow students to look through testbooks
The orientation program in our campus is great. I am a new instructor and was quite impressed with the orientation process. It was welcoming, informative, and well organized. The only improvement that I would suggest is to have orientation for each program individually rather than as a group. I know this would be more time consuming, but I believe that it would most benefit the student.
The "ice-breakers" are a great addition. Interactive and engaging activities. Helps build connections between students and to the school.
That is a great idea. That would allow for the students to really get firmiliar with administration and instructors.
Ty,
It depends of the externship is required or an elective. If the former, then it definitely needs to be covered.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Rebeccca,
What can you do to implement this at your school?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Melissa,
Sounds like a good program.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I feel our Orientation program is sufficient; however; I often hear feedback on how it could be improved. There is an externship portion to our core programs which is not addressed at Orientation. Students, especially our working students, want and need to know how and when this is scheduled.
I like the idea of orientation throughout their career. I also like the idea of allowing for time in the classroom to continue orientation. Having students ask questions and coming up with solutions as a group.
This is quite similar to the orientation program at our facility but is more program-specific. Selected students are invited to share their experiences and faculty provide a humanistic flare.
Wayne,
And it builds a connection to the instructors and school right away.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Juliana,
Please bring that suggestion forward and cite the course if needed.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
All depts participate in the New Student Orientation. We also cover Tutoring. We also have the 1st term instructors meet with the students. This reduces the anxiety level of the students.
