Well stated overview of a proactive instructor's activities, Vida. Keep up the good work.
We have orientations to the programs and the professions before prospects become students. We design the enrollment process to be an informed choice the student makes and a selection process that the school makes based on various criteria. We drive the orientation process to be fun, informative and both an overview and program specific level. We repeat and follow up that orientation with workshops in in class experiences that reinforce concepts support available, and expectations and goals.
The text message is more successful because students are always close to their cell phones. Sometimes e-mails get missed.
As an instructor I am expected to lay down the ground rules for the classroom and then review the syllabus and what will be covered in the course. It is also important that I grade work and give back in a timely manner to see if a student will benefit from tutoring. At mid-point, I review with each student how he/she is doing. If a student is absent, I reach out to them that day to ensure they get the assignments that were given and see if there is anything I can do to assist them. Basically, why were they out, child-care issue, transportation. Let them know I am concerned and willing to assist.
Mary, what means of communicating with students has been most successful for you? Are text messages more likely to get through than email messages?
What are some of your director's practices that have been particularly helpful to you Yordy? Proactive leadership helps shape a proactive culture.
It's good to hear that you all speak with the students on a daily basis, Chanel, but how do you co-ordinate the information you receive? Is there system in place to share information with your colleagues?
William, coordinating the message sent to prospective students should be normal/reasonable. It's important that team mates share the same play book and this is a good way to re-visit the message on a regular basis. Activities like this are an excellent way to ingrain practices and develop a positive culture.
Mary, how do you schedule instructors to meet with prospective students? Are all instructors expected to do this? Is there training for the instructors before they start meeting the students? Does admissions ever complain that an instructor said something to "blow the enrollment"?
John, how much latitude do you have in adjusting schedules? Is this for clinical only?
Janice, what sort of issues have the students raised? Any surprises?
Patrick, what are alphas and deltas? Who sets the standards for these data points?
Sounds like your institution has a well developed approach to retention, Mary. Keep up the good work.
It seems that each cohort of students have a distinct "personality", Gwendolyn, but hopefully the institution is getting better at doing the right things the right way.
Interesting twist on surveys, Lori. How often do students request contact with the President?
Interesting twist on surveys, Lori. How often do students request contact with the President?
Dale, sounds impressive. How do the students react to this practice? Is everyone on-board and participate?
Sounds like you have gotten some sage counseling, Mamadou. Retention requires every one to be proactive and engaged, with the needs of the students as a primary focus.
What's your opinion about this increased tracking and push, Gwendolyn?
Great practice, Devin. Do you have any way of determining how effective this is? How do you know that the students are taking advantage of the open door policy?
