Retention Basics
You don't always have to be well trained to understand the students you are involved with in your classes. All you have to be is human. Also knowing how to direct them to other departments and services
I agree that a student liaison/academic adviser is an important person for the institution. Do you have any thoughts about the qualifications and experience that this person should have?
I really believe in your advice about "being human." I think that is why it is important for an organization to have some form of a student liason/academic advisor that is both highly visible and personable. I believe student retention will sky rocket if the student can identify themselves with the school through a strong authentic positive personal connection associated directly with the school. Any company, school, business that has success truly lives the mantra "people come first."
Who attends these meetings? All members of each department? Do you keep minutes and track outcomes of action items?
The institute I am at , the administrative and education department meet on a weekly basis to share notes on student productivity and and tat helps us stay on the same page when it comes to retention
Student services is also responsible at our campus for retention issues but we rely on the input from every staff member at our weekly staff meetings to gain insight on students who may be having difficulties; this would come from an instructor, to a lab supervisor and the various departments.
I dont think so. I think it is more that some issues they think the students need to handle on their own. I often hear that they think that we "coddle" the students to much. They dont seem to understand though that we are there to "assist" the students and that we do make them accountable for their actions.
Then you have the other instructors who just want to handle things on their own.
Do you think the instructors may feel that it will reflect poorly on their skills if their students are having problems?
Our Student Services Department handles most of the retention issues at our school. We involve the education department only when necessary and youc an tell that it overwhelms them when we do because that is not their job and they are not trained to do so. Yet, I find that they are also reluctant to share with us information that they were aware of that could of assisted us in saving a student. I understand that they dont want to handle issues but i guess I am confused as to why they would not feel that it is their repsonsibility to help.
Phillip,this sounds counter-intuitive. Could you give some examples, please?
Sometimes the burden of overcoming a retention issue is placed on the instructor, but his hands are tied by rules that are put in place to 'reduce' the retention issue. The rules, or lack thereof tie the hands so that retention comes from a lack of control, not a problem of too much control and too much regulation.
