Carol--
Having students clubs/activities involved is a great way to help new students connect with the institution outside of class. I think it gives new students opportunity to know there are other ways to become involved in their school.
Susan
Hello,
I think it is important for faculty to actually talk with the students instead of doing something useless like passing out ID's.
Hello,
Yes, I love your idea of having student ambassadors attend. They can answer many questions and ease students' fears.
I think it is a good idea to get faculty involved. This helps to ease student anxiety.
Also, student clubs might also want to attend to create a warm, inviting feeling for new students.
I am an allied health teacher and the campus librarian. This allows me to connect with the students on two levels. I present the library material at orientation and meet the students as an instructor. I wind up with more questions about the library than I do the program. Financial aid also receives many questions.
We usually have students mingle amongst themselves,introducing themselves, and getting to know things about each other.
Earl--
I like that you have interactive activities. Do you have specific things you have them do?
Susan
Jeff, your orientation set pretty much mirrors what we do at our institution. It seems to work great.
I believe that education should make a big apearence, i also having current student and graduates speak would be nice to prospective from thier peers. Also like the idea of a small task that is simple but applys to the school to allow a small amount of achievment to help lessing the fears the may have about the journey they are about to start on.
We provide opportunities for new students to interact and get to know each other. We do this in a large group setting and in breakout sessions for each program.
Earl--
It sounds like you have all the right people involved. Do you use any tactics to provide interaction among the students?
Susan
financial aid and student services are involved from day one in our jumpstart program to insure that the students get all the information and paperwork completed to reduce their stress level.
The Academics department has faculty members attend orientation and introduce themselves. Career Services and Student Services are involved. Also, Financial Aid, the Librarian, and the Business Office are involved. Each department has a presentation to share and allotted time to answer any questions.
Craig--
The format you suggest here can be highly effective. Students related better to other/former students and they provide a real example of what they can achieve if they complete their education.
Susan
Lawrence--
The dress and appearance code is an interesting idea and certainly prepares them for the 'real world' where these things are very important.
Susan
Erick--
You are correct...faculty make a huge difference in retention. They are the people the students spend the most time with and getting to know them is a huge benefit.
Susan
Financial Aid has the most contact with Students once they have started. That department will come in to orientation and stress the importance of the proper and timely way to submit financial paperwork to help the Student stay in class.
I think Student Ambassadors would really help to easy the uncertainty of the new environment they are entering. What I would like to see, are ex-students who are working in the field who could come and address our students, so they can get an idea what the future holds for them.
Students attending the school I teach at have been given a tour and a form of orientation before they even sign their admissions forms. We do have a form of orientation known as "jump start" that takes place on the first day where students are given rules and regulations. We hold our students to a dress and appearance code
Our program directors and all intructors are requested to have as much contact with the students as possible. It helps the students to get to know our faculty and make them feel more at ease on campus.
