Keeping enrollment after the student starts
It is very true that actually getting the enrolled students to start the program is difficult and perhaps "iffy" is appropriate.
However, once in we always go the extra mile to ensure they are comfortable and confident that their decision has been the correct one. As this is a technical school, getting them into the "core of the program" or "meat and potato's" of the course as quickly as possible helps them see that they can do this! Once that realization happens, they are eager to come to school and learn more.
I agree. The first class the new students attend is a hands-on class where they actually learn some body mechanics and strokes. This helps keep the students engaged and become familiar with each other.
Sounds like a fun program! It's a great idea to let them jump right in and do what they enrolled to learn.
I appreciate that, as a culinary college, our curriculum has the students begin cooking almost within the first hour of their first class! By the end of the first week, they have experienced so much that often it feels as if their lives have already changed.
John, You hit the nail on the head. The first course should be not only informative but also fun. Starting off their experience in a new school with lecture and rules can cause boredom and possible drop out.
Luis--
This is an excellent point and it sounds like you do a great job of addressing the issue. Sometimes, it take 2 or 3 classes before the buyers remorse sets in. Great job.
Susan
Dan--
Great point. It is critical that admissions understand what is really going on in the classroom, the careers students get after completing and the expectations of the faculty. Letting students know these things at the front significantly increases retention.
Susan
A few of the courses I cover are very early in the student's time at our school, and we run into the Buyer's Remorse issue a lot. To try to alleviate this, I always make certain they know what to expect from the course, and give them a few demonstrations to get them interested and to help focus their attention and efforts toward being successful.
It's is also important I think to keep good communication between Faculty and admission rep to make sure what they sell is what we teach our student. It can be very chalenging when we cahnge sylabus and lessonplan or sometimes the all program... It is important that the student get the education quality they have been told they will get by their admision representatives...
John--
An excellent observation. Students are most interested in those classes that are directly related to what they will be doing on the job. That makes it more difficult for some of the other faculty (e.g. English or math). Getting students in to the 'core' as you call it while giving them the other skills as well (and showing them how they also apply) is important.
Susan
