retention is the responsibility of all involved in the school. Our students are the reason why any of us are there. It takes the whole team to go the extra mile in order to be successful with retention.
The retention of studetns starts at the front desk, goes through admissions, finance, business and academics. There is not a single person in the building who is not responsible for retention. Even the janitor, keeping the facilities clean will affect retention. Bad customer service by an empolyee, affects retention. Good customer service also affects retention. Retention is everybodys business.
It's chaired by the academic dean, or another manager. There's no specific budget, per se, either, but most of the aims of the committee have been to change and open mindsets on campus.
I really like the idea of a student success committee. It keeps the entire institution focused on current issues and keeps everyone involved. Who chairs your committee? Who represents 'administration' [does the campus exec sit on the committee]? Do you have a budget?
Hi Loren,
We can remind our colleagues formally in meetings or informally by example. At our campus we have a monthly student success committee, attended by a member of each department (financial aid, academics, career services, admissions, etc.). Topics include how we all impact students, and how it is important not to have a "bad day" in front of a student.
One very basic way to motivate your instructors is through observation and performance review. This process gives you an opportunity to re-inforce positive behavior and coach to correct negative practices.
I happen to believe that the academic performance of a group [as well as group attendance]is a pretty good indicator of teaching skill.
Assuming that your admissions procedure is sufficiently rigorous to determine that the student has the native ability to succeed, there are only 2 reasons for poor results: the student is unwilling or unable to do the work. Both require instructors to get involved. Unwilling is a reflection of boredom or external pressures. Similarly, unable is an indication of the instructor's ability to communicate the subject matter or external barriers. A few probing questions should determine the problem and indicate a course of action.
I advice the students during orientation to allow a week of adaptation to the program. The staff & faculty keep reminding students about the services available at the school.
We have a "Bulletin Board" where we keep new information and academic calendar updated every week. Last, but not least, free coffe for everyone!. If it works for "Starbucks" it can work for your school!
Vicky Berlin :)
How do I keep motivating my instructors to help students are not preforming good?.
It certainly is human nature to have some discomfort when entering a new situation, particulary one where strangers will be judging you. It should be a primary objective for everyone who comes in contact with new students to allay those fears as much as possible.
What can you do to put the entering students at ease?
I find that students entering into college or a trade program is already having some fear issues on how they will do in school especially the ones who don't test well
It is a challenge to get people to understand the power of their interactions. How do you remind your colleagues? Do you share best practices at staff meetings or recognize positive behavior in any way?
