I do sincerely belief that educational institutions need to created a learning environment targeted at staff and faculty; a climate in which students, staff, and faculty of diverse cultures are treated as equals and not as strangers. It is extrenmely difficult to understand when faculty members question the quality and type of students recruited by the admissions department just because the students bring a new set of situations or personal problems never seing before in the institution. The future of higher education institutions in the United States is not any longer in the hands of a few, but in the creation of opportunities for diverse segments of our population. I would like to recieve and discuss your opinions on this matter, specially if you are a minority working in the higher education environment. I am about to begin my doctoral work and would like to hear other points of view.

Two years ago each student wore a name tag, it was considered part of the school uniform. Last year the school did away with the name tags. What about other schools? We encourage all instructors and staff to use students names to personalize their conversations in the classroom or hall. With no name tags it is extremely difficult for instructors and staff to learn students names. Instructors seem to learn the names of the students they like, who speak up, or volunteer or they learn the name of those students who are difficult or different in some way. Suggestions? Thank you!

It feels so strange but just a few days ago a couple of my students told me about how they will like to be as successful as I am. They were talking about my abilities as a model, mentor, and monitor. I was taken by their comments without realizing my role. The actions of faculty and staff are extremely important when it comes to retention. The time and dedication we spend with our students exhert a great deal of positive influence when the student is considering leaving school. The success or failure of the institution is on the hands of all stakeholders when it comes to retention.

Working and going to school can cause tremendous stress, particullary when work adds more to an already overloaded plate. I my case while working and going to school my stress caused a week long stay in the hospital and a permanent lifestyle change. I didn't quit school, but it I came very close.

I think Admissions Representatives hold the key to all aspects of their student's education and career. If a prospective student feels welcome the first time they come in to a school, they'll enroll and complete the program. If they come in and feel as though they are a number, and are pressured to enroll, they'll not start or if they do enroll they'll never finish. First impressions are so important. With all that said...the rest of the faculty and staff are not exempt. If a student has a wonderful experience with admissions and then has an aweful experience in financial aid, then the student's not going to be successful. All staff and faculty have to realize that the only reason they have jobs are because they're student's looking for an education.

You have to let them know you care that they are here. and that you will try to help them in any way you possably can to make being here a success.

Our students need to be remninded (through our actions), that we are commited to thier progression.

Know one ever gets a chance for a second one. Teachers or students.

People come to school to facilitate change in themselves. If we can make them relize this, we clear the way for sucsess. Thiers & ours!!!

I tyopically feel closer to my area of study, the industry and the student body when mentoring. It forces me to stay current...

Both must be on the same page. It is silly to have the reps sell a program and the faculty teach it if they are not on the right page. We have a student now going through the program who works in admissions as a rep. She decided to take the course so she could understand it better. This is key!

Many of our students are career changers so the decision to return to school is a tough one. Many students have regular work schedules and families and all of these factors have to be taken into consideration when deciding to enroll. The state of the economy is another factor to consider, and some feel there may be no where else to turn than to another career.

In this dificult economic times; more and more people are changing careers to better their future..... Is this just a trend or the future??

should be done on the first day of class as black and white as possible

Every first day of our 3 week rotations we review all of the rules and guidelines for the class. if a student misses first day they miss alot of information. So i try to get the missing guy up to speed when they finally show up.

I let the students know it is ok to make mistakes.Just dont let them beat you up from them but learn from them.Then as class continues i will bring up mistakes i made in the field that pertain to what we are learning that day.

most retention issues can be affected by instructor involvement and correcting problems early on.

be patient when dealing with students about intervention, get to the heart of the issue without being threatening or crowding

some stress is normal, teach students how to deal with it and use it in a positive manor.

keep students interest andretention will stay to a min. outside the normal reasons.