Sean--
This sounds like a great idea. It is probably less intimidating to meet their advisor along with other students. Takes some of the stress away while still providing them with an introduction.
Susan
We do have the admissions team and faculty on board during orientations. We all take the moment to speak to each one, take them through tours of the facilities, and at times there are alumni and current students to assist them by sharing experiences and answering questions from the students' point of view.
our school has recently revamped its advising practices; mainly we host a meet and greet for our students to make first contact with advisors and meet other advisees.
Jae--
This sounds like a great format. Good for you to have your faculty there and participating.
Susan
During our orientation we provide a lot of information about all the resouces available to the student and representatives from those departments are there so that the student can put a face with a name and department.
We also provide information on our library and tutoring resources, which I believe makes students feel a bit more comfortable.
In addition, at each orientation, members of faculty are represented and speak to the students about their background and what they teach in the school. It can give the students a sense of what their own instructor may be like and they will already feel like they know a few faculty members.
Albert--
Offering mentors and mental health are unusual and great services. Great!
Susan
We offer tutoring, I let them know that im there for them through mentor-ship and one on one counseling.
On day one and through out the course I remind the students that I have an open door policy and am available to talk to them about any concerns they have with the class or any other issue.
we presently provide support from student services for transportation, tutors, mentors,financial and mental health.
We try to do as many one on one conversations with the students throughout the orientation program as possible. Students are more relaxed this way and will talk more freely. When they are all grouped together they are more nervous and less likely to ask the question that they need answered. I try to incorporate this philosophy into my daily teaching as I believe the students need to constantly be reminded in order to get the most out of school and the educational experience.
Right now, I can't really say that we are doing anything to address student fears or buyer's remorse. Our orientations are more factual than warm and fuzzy.
Dennis--
This sounds excellent! I bet your students appreciate addressing these issues up front in a way that doesn't put them on-the-spot. Great idea!
Susan
I use a practice powerpoint presentation to demonstrate my teaching methods on a non-testable subject that is related to the area I will be teaching them.We discuss common fears that have arisen from past classes so that no current students are put on the spot.After the lecture we discuss what we have learned from the presentation and any short-comings that may have arisen.Since no two classes are ever the same, I always have to adjust my presentation style and methods to meet my class.By doing this on the first day prior to teaching any of my testable material,I find that my students are more comfortable and get more out of my remaining lectures during the rest of the course.
Lisa--
This sounds like a great plan. Do you track retention of students by advisor?
Susan
At our school we are pairing new students with a faculty advisor related to the students' discipline of choice. We are in constant contact with these students throughout their time enrolled and we discuss everything from tutoring to job placement to resources for child-care and transportation.
At orientation, students have the opportunity to meet and greet faculty as well as other students and staff members. They are also able to discuss any issues they have about their upcoming experience. Hopefully those items address some of their fears.
Lori,
We have something similar and it seems to be a tremendous benefit to struggling students and exceptional students alike. The strong one's feel positive helping their peers, the helped learn, and all are strengthened as a result.
Sounds like y'all have much on the ball.
-Doc
Dr. John E. "Doc" Heckman
Lead Professor of Humanities
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts
1927 Lakeside Parkway
Tucker, GA 30084
http://chefs.edu/atlanta/
Main: 770-723-3591
Fax: 770-938-4571
Cell: 478-365-6426
jheckman@atlanta.chefs.edu
We have a team of faculty, staff, and students present information to new students regarding the resources, services, and activities on campus. We also have strategically placed bulletin boards at all entrances of the school so that opportunities and services are clearly identified. What has been working for others of you out there?
Dr. John E. "Doc" Heckman
Lead Professor of Humanities
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts
1927 Lakeside Parkway
Tucker, GA 30084
http://chefs.edu/atlanta/
Main: 770-723-3591
Fax: 770-938-4571
Cell: 478-365-6426
jheckman@atlanta.chefs.edu
Todd-
Your point about seeking help from the tutors is true. Most students have this perception that only 'dummies' go there. In fact, good students should seek help whenever they have a problem or want another set of eyes on things before they turn them in. Getting rid of that stigma is important.
Susan
We are currently doing ice breakers to help students break the fear of meeting/talking to new people and telling something about them selves to each other. We also address the fear of students that may need tutoring due to learning challenges or for those who haven't been to college before or those returning after 10 to 20 years. We help them establish study skills.It's truly the fear of the unknown.
