Stephen, what actions have been taken as a result of these temperature checks? How do the students react to the conversations?
Interesting that you mention the mission statement, Shawn. Are your colleagues able to recite the mission and values? Are they that deeply engrained in your institution's culture?
Azra , aren't you concerned that by waiting two weeks to distribute IDs you're telling students the IDs really aren't that necessary and that it's more important to save a couple cents on the ones you might have to discard?
There are other actions we take routinely, which we call "temperature checks" - for example, members of the campus leadership team routinely walk around during class breaks to speak with students informally. The conversations go where the students take them, but we try to ascertain how the student(s) are doing, whether or not they have any issues related to school and so on. Mostly these informal meetings with students build connections and trust.
Students are allowed to anonymously fill out course and instructor evaluation forms. Students are encouraged to openly discuss any concerns they may have with the program. Clear, concise syllabus and faculty dedication to the mission statement and values of the institution ensure students receive the education they have been promised. This leads to satisfied students.
Previously,we used to make student IDs after the orientation and if student withdraw from school we had Ids they won't pick up so now we decided to wait until the last day of add and drop period till the end of second week, we tell all new students at the orientation to pick up their ids after one week, We orgainize welcome week every second week of quarter, students visit our office befre or end of their class to get their ids we make them ids on the spot and we have refreashments and different fun things with prizes and this way we make them feel comfortable with the team by welcoming them.
Do the students have specific assigned times to pick up their id's, Azra? I can't imagine trying to handle them if they stopped by in large groups before/after class.
This seems to be a rather common practice, Julie. Have you personally made any changes as a result of the surveys? Have they helped you to improve?
Wow! That's not a good situation you've described, Zoe. I would question whether this practice really does keep students happy - at least the serious ones. Is there a mechanism in place for faculty of address this concern?
Rebecca, how is the mandatory counseling communicated to the student? What happens if a student doesn't respond?
Sounds like your institution has a well developed plan, Stephen. Are there any other things under consideration?
At the first week of each start of the quarter Student Support team welcome students in the lobby, in our office we make student Ids after the orientation and every student visit our department and get to know the team and familierize with the facilities and assistance we can provide for them. It is a great way to know every student and to make them feel comfortable.
We performe Student Survey and Evaluation every quarter to get students feed back. Base on their answer we try make the necessary changes if needed and improve on the areas that needs improvements.
our institute does not support our instructors... for the simple fact that when ever a student goes and complains about a grade or a getting kicked out cause of a safety violation they are put back in to class... so... that keeps our students happy... not the instructors though...
Where I teach we have check point where the student have to go in for counselling. For example, if the miss 12% of class hours if they are at a C. We call every time they are absent. We have satisfaction surveys for Mod they take.
1. Every student that tours the school has a second interview with the Director of Admissions so that he can check, among other things, the student's expectations and their understanding of what our school offers.
2. The Campus President gives each new student his business card during orientation and encourages the student to contact him at any time via email, text or phone, if he can be of any assistance in their success.
3. End-of-Course Critiques
4. Classroom observations.
5. Quarterly open forums with students and the campus leadership team.
6. Bi-annual Student Satisfaction Surveys.
Denise, what is the problem getting feedback in a timely manner? Doesn't the delay significantly reduce the value/usefulness of the information?
Paula , how have any of these practices directly impacted the way you do things? How is the information useful to you?
We have surveys but timely feedback is not typically given. Creating dialogue and relationships with students across all departments is a way that we know if students are satisfied.
My institution gives surveys at the end of every term in regards to the courses and instructors. There is also a survey given each quarter asking specifically about the institution as a whole and ways we can improve. In addition to these steps, my director frequently conducts "Brown Bag with the Director" lunch meetings with students to encourage communication and transparency.
