Availability and Approachability
The students have the greatest access to the faculty, and the faculty are often counselors to the students. But the students must also have access to their admissions rep, their Financial Aid rep, the Registrar, and the Receptionist. Even though the student is enrolled in class, they still need to know that these people are there to support and encourage them. Too often, once the student is enrolled in classes, they can never get access to the administrative personnel and they feel alienated.
Daniel, I agree that listening is an important first step, but don't most people have a desired outcome in mind when they begin the conversation?
Loren Kroh
If I sense that something negative is going on with one of my students I always try to speak with them in private and find out if I can help them. usually they just want someone to listen to them.I find that that's what most people want.
That's good advice, but it's a little late for me. Fortunately, I'm pretty discreet. I don't "friend" everyone in the school, but even so, there's nothing on there that is too revealing. Every now and then I don't want everyone to see something a friend posts, but then I quickly hide it. I guess there are advantages in leading a dull life! By seeing my students' family photos and interests, I've come to understand them better. I was also able to comment quickly on a student's post about another student that, although it didn't mention the other student by name, was unkind and inappropriate. The post was taken down immediately.
Amelia, have you considered creating an instructor Facebook persona that is different than your personal account? I'm not sure I would want my students to access my personal information (ex photos, profile). I also wouldn't want to have to worry about things a friend might post.
I am very approachable, and have a good rapport with most of my students, but I think it's also important to maintain my teacher role and to model professional behavior. I was a bit wary of becoming Facebook friends with some of my students, but it's worked out really well. I don't comment on things that are obviously meant only for their peers, but I can offer encouragement or condolences and congratulate them on happy news. It's also useful to message a student privately on facebook if I haven't seen her in class. Of course I have to be careful about what I post myself!
I am in class at least an hour before class starts to meet and talk to my students as they arrive. Some time during each class I will ask if there is anything the class wants to discuss. When answering questions, especially during lab I try to take extra time to talk about what I think might interest the student in addition to his question.
Are your entering students fully packaged before they get to orientation? If not, how do they know they can afford to go to school? Does someone else handle the initial financial aid work-up?
At our school we do a new student orientation before the start of each class. In that orientation I speak to the students and let them know even though most people "fear" their financial aid representative that I am a friendly face to come to. Some students have misconceptions about the financial aid process, however, I make it a point to let the student know that I am here to help them in any way that I possibly can. I assure them that I am very approachable and that my door is always open. I am willing to speak to the student about any question or concern that they might have whether it deals with financial aid or not. Furthermore, if I can not take care of the problem myself I will make sure that the person who can gets involved ASAP!
Well said, faculty have the most contact with students, and in my opionion the most influence but they also need availablity to other resources.
I agree and some days we are better at this than others. We have to strive to remember each day that we were once in their shoes, we sat in their chairs or stood at that same prep bench looking for insight & instruction. We are now the ones being looked too for the answers and have to remember that we have to give the time to do so. Some days are easier than others to achieve this.
That's correct. I feel that students need to know that they have access to a support structure within the university especially when they need it most. My university provides that type of access and encourages faculty to not only be available through email but also by phone if necessary. We also setup office hours during the week.
Tarik
How do you demonstrate that dedication and approachability to your students, Ian?
Congratulations, Janine. Sounds like a great environment for students, staff and faculty. This doesn't happen without hard work and focus.
If you had to build this culture, how would you start?
I have to say that our school employs some of the best and most approachable staff. Starting from the front reception our students get the best care and it continues to carry through to admissions, finacial aid and of course our instructors. Our students feel at ease to approach any of the above with not only school issues but ones of a personal nature to help us understand a hard time in their life or anything that may be affecting their grades and attitude in class.
students must see you are dedicated and approachable to them all ot their commitment
will falter
Alienated students have a nasty tendency to become drop outs. Opening access and communication is a good start to overcoming those issues. Is there a group that can work on making improvements?
