This depends on each chef instructor. For me, I try to take a few minutes after class during my office hours to make a phone call to one student on my roster. We talk for a short while about cooking, etc. I just want to be able to touch base with each student during this phone call and see how they are doing.
seems to work.
Our school as developed and implemented two programs that work together to demonstrate we
are committed to their success.
A peer tutoring program and instructor tutoring program that work side by side. This gives
the students a little choice, because sometimes it is easy for them working with a successful
student.
They there are other times where the student really needs an instructor to provide the tutoring.
Yes, when students don't come to class I ask another student to call them to see why they aren't in class...
Sometimes, especially if I know that they are friends, because it can help out a lot more. For example if two students typically hang out together and only one is missing, 'where is so and so' can usually get a productive answer.
Unfortunately, email and phone calls can be ignored by the recipient. Do you ever use classmates to connect with missing students?
This is how we do things too, though I'm one of the faculty members who is not an advisor. I admit sometimes I don't know what to do when a student is not responding to my personal e-mails about why he/she is not attending class. However sometimes if a student seems frazzled just asking "are you okay?" will help the student out and know you personally care about him/her and their success.
At our campus we have a newsletter that is circulated once a month. On the cover of the newsletter is a different student each month. There stories of over coming adversities to be able to attend our school. Our schools commitment to helping each student over come these adversities whether it be financially or faculty and other students reaching out to offer these students a place to live while attending classes is a true testament to the commitment that our institution is proud of.
How are the topics of the focus forums chosen? Who participates; are they cross-departmental? How candid are people about disclosing problems and how open are they to suggestions from others?
We have focus forums to help us gain insight as to what is going on within our campus. Each department share the latest news and if changes need to be made, suggestions are given and often implemented.
Our students are recognized for their hard work through Attendance, Deans List, Most Improved and "Best Tech" awards.
The faculty as well as administrators are always there to support the students.
It's good to hear that your efforts are being well received. Do you ask for a return receipt on the emails you send to confirm their delivery?
Within our on-line classrooms, faculty are responsible for reaching out weekly to students who are at risk. We send out personalized emails to students who are identified as being on Success Plans, send emails to students who have not logged in to the campus in a number of days, and send emails to students who have not passed in the week's assignments. Very often, these emails are responded to by students with an explanation of why they have been absent and often with a thank you for taking the time to be concerned. Some students will go on to say that the email and the instructor's understanding gave them strength to continue with the course.
How successful has this plan been? How has it been received by students and faculty?
Our school has an Academic Success Plan (ASP) that is implemented when a student's Satisfactory Academic Progress falls below an acceptable level.
The Academic Success Plan involves the student, a student advisor, and the student's instructor.
As part of the Academic Success Plan, the student is directed to meet with his or her instructor during each week of the term.
The instructor contacts the student once the student's ASP icon appears on their roster. Students are asked to communicate with their instructor during scheduled office hours which are listed in the classroom and in the course syllabus.
During thes session, the instructor will assist the student with coursework, answer any questions the student may have, and provide coursework-related clarifications and feedback.
During the student's initial meeting with their Student Advisor, the student's Academic Success Plan for the session is also discussed.
The Student Advisor follows up with the student and the instructor each week to check on the student's progress.
The first day of each class instructors not only give a course outline, but also give motivational encouragement for how the course relates to the business world emphasizing Reverend Jesse Jackson's self-esteem philosophy of belief in oneself.
Dianne, are you saying you seek out a student who has dropped and is returning? What a great way to welcome the student back and re-connect with them.
Dianne, do you have a sense of which of these initiatives are most prized by the students and/or are most motivating?
I agree Diana, each student needs to know that they count. When the student returns I also typically seek them out and touch base with them. Doing that one simple thing, no matter how busy I am, seems to help tremendously, and helps forge my relatiopnship with them. Builds a trust.
We have student council, we also have an awards presentation. Presidents list and Directors List. The students who have held 3.75 to 4.0 gpa for that term, are awarded these. It helps not only with attendance and retention , but gives them a well deserved ego boost.
Our school does several things to demonstrate school commitment. All instructors have call logs and will call students who were absent that day to ensure they are ok. They will also communicate what the student missed that day. As Campus Manager, I also check in with students ona regular basis to see how they are doing and provide them with an opportunity to speak with me about any issues they may be having. It is important to me that all students feel that each and every staff or faculty member are there for them and that their success is our top priority.
