Retention Should Start at Orientation
I believe the students should be exposed to this conversation at orientation. Here at the orientation we should have the necessary personnel at the orientation to introduce themselves and their roles so the new students can know the go to person....
Dara, orientation seems to be different at each institution and often not very effective. What changes did you make to improve the event?
Retention starts in Admissions, but formally starts at Orientation. Orientation is the perfect opportunity to reinforce to the student that he/she made the right decision, can do this, will do this, and will enjoy being here.
As an institution, we've made some positive changes to our Orientation program. I believe that our current students are better prepared for the first day of class and onward based on the way we now handle Orientation.
Sounds like a good plan, Mark. What has to happen to get the annotated photo directory? I would also suggest having copies readily available in public spots throughout the school. Students have a nasty habit of misplacing things like directories.
We already have an employee photo directory so all I need to do is get them to clip the important pictures and put small blurbs under them telling why you would visit each person and where they are located. If we print this and hand it out at orientation they can keep it and have an idea of where to go. I had helped make a document that listed problems a student might have and who they would see and what department they were located in. This was posted in each classroom so the students could check it without drawing attention or explaining themselves. this was a help but the pictures would be way better.
Sounds like the start of a plan, Mark. What's the next step?
While I agree that it is very important to build a relationship at orientation they get way too much information. I really like the idea of a handout with pictures and information about why you would visit each person.
Michaela, how are the upperclassmen selected as tour guides? Do they continue to have contact with the freshman throughout the initial academic period? Could they also serve as mentors during this period?
I agree. Retention is very important. Our school has the students meet their instructors and administration at orientation. The students are given a tour of the school by the upperclassmen. The upperclassmen give the new freshmen helpful hints to make their first week a success. The instructors meet with the new freshmen the first week of school for 15 minutes at the end of each day for the first week of school.
At the end of the first four weeks we have a pizza party for the freshmen. Their first four evaluation is given one on one in private so the instructor can point out any weaknesses the student may be experiencing. If tutoring is needed. It is set up at this time. If the instructor sees a concern before the first week evaluation it is brought to the Director of Education attention and an intervention is started. We try to take a proactive approach.
I agree that if it is made clear that we care about retention of each individual student right from the start, it will make a lasting impression.
I believe orientation is an opportunity for the students to get a sense of excitement and commitment from administration and faculty to the students success and completion. This can be projected by administration and faculty during their short presentations to the new cohort.
William, easily said. Any thoughts on how to implement?
orientation is the best place to start the new students trusting the school and the instructors , From that trust all else flows.
Retention should start at orientation so the student knows what is expected to complete the program.
I beleive that retintion should be introduced at this point of entry. Students should be informed the importance of retention and questions answered at that time if the students have them.
Orientation is an introduction of all that is to come with the exposure of great expectations. So one can only hope through the excitement and the feeling of accomplishment by being excepted into a program that all truthful information was given and that all questions were answered honestly. Maybe at this time Student Service should be involved to reiterate the severity of their commitment and how important it is to reach out to others if they have certain situations that could hold them back and not be successful prior to becoming a student.
I agree. Retention starts at orientation through clear disclosure of expectations of the student and through the responsibility if the school.
