My institution uses several of the methods that are mentioned in this course.
They are:
Orientations
Mentors (staff to student)
Surveys (several types are utilized)
Tutoring
Graduate services are very visible
Licensed counselor on staff
When changes are made in response to survey results, bulletins are posted stating what changes have been made in response to survey information.
My school does a lot of surveys. The students do surveys every 3 months based on the school itself and also at the end of every semester to review the instructor and course content. This ends up being about once a month. The dean and program directors go through the surveys and the students get a phone call to discuss any comment that they leave(good or bad). This way they know that their opinion matters and it gives us good feedback, as well.
we are always trying to have a one on one with students to make sure we are on task
Hello,
We quantify the information from the first round of surveys and create action plans to address. Our second round of surveys will capture the effectiveness of what we have implemented to address concerns. We also have meetings with our ambassadors on a frequent basis.
Billy, how do you measure the effectiveness of these two initiatives? How do you know that they keep you abreast of the student experience?
Zena, what's the protocol when you identify a student whose expectations are unrealistic?
Why do prospective student need to speak directly with the program director to get information about the profession, Elizabeth? Certainly admissions should have that information as well as virtually anyone else who works within or supports the program.
Lori, do you track participation levels? It seems like these activities are useful, but only if students really get involved.
Our institution has quarterly student satisfaction surveys. After they are completed by the students the information is first shared with the program directors then shared at a staff meeting. The dean reviews each programs scores with everyone. It's interesting to see how other departments are doing.
We conduct student surveys to gain insight on expectations versus delivery. We also have a student ambassador program that provides a vehicle of communication from students to staff. These two initiatives keeps us abreast to the student experience.
We are in constant communication with student services and program directors to make sure that the students expectations are realistic and being met. Everyone else on the team is included as well. All instructors do third week reports that include potential problems which are immediately addressed so any issues can be resolved quickly.
Prospective students need to speak directly with the Director of the program in order to be given the specific responsibilities of the chosen profession. Often times the student doesn't really know what they are getting into.
We do at least 2 surveys through the students tenure. All of our programs are less than 9 months in length. This allows us to have a better understanding of how the student feels about not only our programs, but facility, instructors, admissions, financial aid, and so on. We also engage with our students so if a personal crisis comes into play they typically have someone in our facility they feel they can confide in.
We have all new students go to an orientation food is provided. Student Services had an bingo game that they had to get every departments signatures in able to get trick or treat candy, they all really enjoyed meeting departments that they did not know before. In the summer we hold bbq's and a watermelon feed.
We do student satisfaction surveys and are continually developing new stratagies for increased student retention.
Alina, do you meet with each student privately weekly? How do you find the time to do this?
Sounds like you have a good plan in place, Mary. How's it working?
As outlined you folks seem to be doing a very thorough job, Sharon. How are your results?
My institution encourages quick action when signs indicate that a student's expectations are being met. Some of the ways to accomplish that are by meeting with students on a one to one basis weekly and by conducting surveys. By doing this, two approaches are met, one personal and one anonymous, giving the student an opportunity to express their opinion two different ways.
It starts at orientation when the expectations are laid out from the program directors of each program. On the first day of each mod the expectations are laid out for that mod. The students have a copy of the syllabus for each mod. They are aware of what will be covered each day. If there are any questions or concerns I as their instructor will handle them. They take monthly surveys on their satisfaction of the mod, so any concerns they have will be addressed.
