During each new class out instructors give the students an outline/syllabus which explains the grading policy, homework assignments, Quiz dates, attendance, uniform policy etc., so the expectations are given to the students from day one.
At the end of each class the student survey to obtain feedback from students about what they learned or what inspired about the class or what they did not like about the class.
The students are also notified about their academic progress every six weeks and if necessary must meet with Academics about their progress. We then offer students tutoring classes as needed to ensure their sucess.
We have an academic advising team that meets with students to ensure that their expectations are being met.
On a day I have new starts we always take 15 minutes or so to become aquainted. During this time the entire class fills out a new index card that I keep
I think that would be a fabulous idea. They could have an informal forum to discuss things that the grads. feel could be improved.
we go over expectations during orientation and throughout their time here at the school, specifically at the beginning of every rotation.
It sounds like you have some very impressive programs in place. How often do you have the student appreciation days and the resource fairs? Do you have different programs or themes for the appreciation events? Do you have representatives from social service agencies come to the fairs?
Our school does a number of things to assure student expectations are being met. The first is to keep an open door policy. If one office is busy the next office will assist. Everyone at our school sees retention as the schools responsibility. We have the student appreciation days to not only show that we are interested but to let the students know what team is in place to help them out. We send out surveys and use the result of the survey to determine our weak areas. Attendance is monitored and calls are made to students that start dropping in attendance. We have started resource fairs because most of our student, in this troubled economy, need as much resources as possible.
Does the survey also ask about support services, library resources, facilities, etc?
Our institution is committed to developing and implementing a strong academic program as well policies and procedures that will help students achieve success while they are in school and when they graduate.
One of the tools we use to measure the success of each course and faculty is handing out surveys/questionnaire to students at the end of each course. With this survey, we are informed on how well we did in delivering the skills and materials the student should learn, how they are presented and what we can do to help them succeed in future classes.
Alumni/graduates are also sent out a periodic questionnaire to assess where they are in their career and how much of the skills learned in school are applied to heir daily functions at work. They are also asked what we can do improve our curriculum and alumni services.
We have many ways we try to meet student expectaions so they are satisfied. First and foremost keep talking and meeting with our students so we know what their expectations are as they go thru the program and grow. From the new student about fitting in to the student going out on externship worried about the economy and thier future. 1) From the beginning no one over states what can be expected. 2) every department is involved and available to students whether for quesitons, whos who or crisis. 3) Student Services works hard to keep our names, numbers, offices and many resources top of mind for students. 4) everyone from student services, admissions, FA to President has open door policies. 5)We utilize student council officers as a link to students for feedback and questions. 6) For social expectations we have student appreciation activities, and student activities during school breaks. 7) For academic expectations we do have study groups, tutoring, faculty advising, faculty members and outside resources available.
We do survey students, graduates and alumni periodically to see if they are/were satisfied. Listening to hear what they can tell us needs changed or revised.
We do have regular retention, student services and faculty meetings so expectataions can be discussed and reviewed.
We try to keep up with the changing times and are beginning to utilize social networking more.
Meeting student expectations and making sure they are satisfied is what will keep us moving forward, successful and employed.
I like the concept of a student success day.This is similar to a course we offer.
We do have a College Success course which is offered as one of the first courses taken. Here they connect with other students and express their concerns and expectations and learn what college is all about. One of the later courses we offer is Career Success that develops knowledge of needed tools for applying and keeping their employment.These two courses have been very advantageous in reducing our attrition numbers.
Our school utilizes several different methods to assure expectations are met and the student is satisfied. The two methods I feel make an impression from the beginning is generally provided in the first term of the student's enrollment.
Our first method begins with an activity in "Graduation Preparation Day" (orientation) where the student completes a document called "Heaven Forbid". Basically, the student will write down what they want someone to say to them if they thought about withdrawing. The student also lists all the reasons why they want to change their lives. This document is provided to first quarter instructors and the academic advisor. Plus a copy is given to the student to remind them of their commitment to their own personal success.
The next step during the first term involves the student's participation in a new student success day, two or three weeks into their first class, which the Assistant Academic Dean and the career services team facilitate. In this event, the students share whether or not the college, the program, and the experience has matched their expectations. This event provides the college an opportunity to get to know the students, to identify any at-risk students, or any other issues that may need to be addressed.
There are many more methods during the first term and through out the student's program that is being utilized. However, these two stand out in my mind as an excellent way in which to find and help those students who might leave due to a since of being overwhelmed and afraid.
Our support staf is extensive and growing. Weekly meetings with staff provides a cohesive team working on various student expectations. Is it time consuming? Yes. Is it worthwhile in the end? Most definately.
There are several methods by which we determine if student expectations are being met. One is a questionaire to students upon completion of each course. A second is faculty advisors who contact students on a regular basis. Student Council who holds regular meetings to obtain input from students and bring these to one of our VPs. Our Department Chairs and Deans meet regularly to discuss student expectations and make changes as needed.
Like so many who have answered, we have student surveys while the students are in school and as alumni. During the last 12 weeks of school we also have the students complete an evaluation that lists the pros, cons, who inspired, and anything they would like to add. While some students dismiss the information, the Academic Administration looks at these and strive to improve as well as recognize the instructors who have inspired.
I like what Module 1 states that it is everyone's responsibility to retain students, not just one department over the next.
I'm a strong believer in the individual's right to fail - assuming that they have enough information to make an informed decision.
Similarly, we shouldn't judge a graduating students choice of jobs. Even basic jobs within an industry may be value added jobs for that person - one that they would not have been able to get without the training they received from the school.
Is it a good thing to work very hard to keep students in the program who belong in a different program or industry? How do you know they belong elsewhere?
What does your school do that you consider "above and beyond"?
When it comes to student expectations, these are evaluated by admissions advisers during the initial meeting, before enrollment. Admissions team preset to student what they can expect from our University and what we have to offer. These are not empty words however. What is said, is also done. Students are treated with respect and academics advisers do their best to help students choose their classes. There is no room for racism, judgments or prejudice in our team.
We take the approach that is is the instructor's and student services responsibility. We do have a student mentor that is also involved. We have not made eough of a shift at this time to get admissions fully onboard.
