During the orientation administrators from each department tell students about the on ground resources we have such as advising, career assistants, student affairs, and financial aid services. We also tell them about the off campus resources we have such as the Student Resource Services (studentlifetools.com). Flyers with the toll free number and the website are distributed to students. Students can call the Student Resource Services hotline 24/7 and talk with the specialists who can help students find resources for addressing the following challenges: transportation, housing, day care, financial, legal or health care concerns.
One of the items we address at orientation is the list of required supplies. We are an art school and instead of just handing out a list of supplies needed, we actually have all the supplies out for display in a classroom for the students to see. This way should they be afraid or embarrassed to ask what an item is, it is right there for them to see.
We address social services on an as needed basis, but mention that the contact information is available. Child care is also a topic that is discussed 1 on 1 with the students as well.
Ty--
I love the job opportunity and transportation information. As you are no doubt aware, these are major obstacles to students retention. Addressing these up front is terrific! Have you thought about also including social services and/or child care?
Susan
During orientation we provide students with a list of resources that are available to them here at the college. We also hand them a directory of employment opportunities that can be obtained according to the neighborhood that they live in. This includes phone numbers, addresses, contact persons, and also the bus lines and public transit that are available to each. We have found that financial problems are a main element in retention, and helping to find them work while in school is key. I also note during orientation the student councel events that are taking place that month so that they are aware of the extra-curricular activites that help take the edge off of their school work.
Robert--
This is very true. For the most part, education is a means to an end...to a rewarding career where they can make enough money to have the lifestyle they want. Providing them with accurate information early and consistently is extremely important.
Susan
Honestly, not many. Orientation seems to be such a hectic time for us. I sometimes feel sorry for the students. I am looking forward to learning some great skills to ensure retention and help make students feel safer and more welcome.
Many, perhaps most of the students who enter in to the courses I work with are concerned with the amount of money they can expect to make after graduation. We give them an accurate portrayal of the current industry conditions and directly address their concerns with a positive and realistic appraisal.
We introduce ourselves and explain that we are available if they have questions or concerns. We discuss the Career Services department, the Student Services department, tutoring, etc. I try to use humor to make them feel at ease and to break the ice. We make sure they have everything they need for the first day of class and get them acclimated to Pittsburgh.
Terry--
That's great! It is important for students to feel that they are well supported. Having the entire campus interact with them gives them an opportunity to see that everyone is there to help them in their educational journey. The more people students can connect with, the more likely they are to graduate.
Susan
Yes you are so right. It's important for the student to see how the staff as a whole work as a team. It gives the student a good impression on how the staff interacts with one another, which I'm sure allows for the student to feel more comfortable about the school as a whole.
I feel that on the first day the student needs to feel as if he/she is comfortable. They need to have a sense of belonging, or they will disconnect themselves. Therfore, during our orientation we present ourselves from an entire institution as a team.
We do an "Intro to Pittsburgh" session where we hand out maps and bus schedules, and talk about where the different neighborhoods are and how to get there.
I like to get to know my students, by talking with them asking about their background, asking them about their expectations.
I am also planning on using a team building exercise in the classroom. I hope this exercise will create a team feeling in the classroom and also help them to get to know each other better. I will be introducing the "mine field" exercise and also may try the "egg drop" exercise.
We address several issues such as how to develop good study skills and time management, which is so important for the adult learner since many have been out of school for years. And we let them know that tutoring is available whenever they need it. This seems to ease their anxiety a bit.
There is not alot in the orientation to help the students fears,but I personaly relate my own life experanice with the school sense I am a graduate of the same school.
We discuss many things , such as tutoring employment creating study groups and what each department can do to help them be successful.
I have them introduce my self and have the students do the same.I also ask what there expiations are and what classes they took in high school
I spent my first forty years working in the automotive repair field and the last six years teaching about the automotive field. I am an Ford program instructor. I have guide lines not only from the place i work but Ford motor co. What i have found to work best for me is to try and relate everything into a dealership story. As stated i only have 3 weeks to get my class across. Students must learn my course or they will not complete the program. I have learned that i am not going to save they all and sometimes early on you will know ther is one or two that will never make it in this field. These are the ones i think about the most.
John--
Absolutely right. Academic failure is probably their biggest fear...not only for their career choice but also their self-esteem. That is one reason why acclimating them to the classroom and their faculty early on helps them to persist.
Do you utilize specific things to help some of your students with this?
Susan
