Do non-clasroom personel play a role model in retention?
Do non-clasroom personel play a role model in retention?
Elizabeth,
Exactly! It really doesn't matter who they bond with as long as they develop a relationship with someone at the school who will help them through. The board is a great idea.
Susan Backofen
I have found that have a board with the faces and names of each department seems to help orient each student with non faculty on campus. It seems they bond with admin reps first, but then usually find someone in other departments as they go through the program. As long as we work together as a team and refer them to other departments when needed, our team seems to work well.
timothy,
You make the perfect point that sometimes very 'small' things (at least to some) have a huge impact on student satisfaction. Good for you for addressing it so quickly!
Susan Backofen
I had a student once complain that House-keeping was cleaning the restroom when the class went on break almost everyday.
This caused problems in a number of ways. The students were not able to concentrate during class, they were upset because they felt their needs did not matter to the cleaning personnel. Their very basic physiological needs were not met, they wondered what else the school did not care about. So I addressed this ASAP with my Program Director. He took care of it and the students were very happy that their faculty cared even about something that seemed as menial as restroom cleaning schedule.
Every staff member the student interacts with affects the student's perception of the institution. Every interaction should be professional and curteous.
Yes, It is good for new students to see a familiar face. All admission reps should be present to welcome them. It is also good to pair them with present students as then they have a "friend" to show them around. Thia helps get rid of new student fears.
I agree with this totally; the cohort leader can make or break a group of sudents. The personal contact outside of the classroom can be a benefit for each member in the group and the school a major role in rentention
Richard,
I couldn't agree more! Acting as a team to positively reinforce the student's decision is critical.
Susan Backofen
The students need to interact positively with everyone employed by the school. Negativity from any staff member could destroy the students drive to succeed and complete the program. This positive interaction reinforces their decision to work through any problem that should arise.
Everyone that is staff in any position can play a role in a positive or negative outlook for the student. Retention is the responsibility of all staff in different aspects.
Absolutely! The more the student has to connect the better. You may want to introduce them to the resource center, the financial aid director, the career placement faculty, ect. More connection with non classroom personel gives the student the feeling of beloning
Of course they do! Student services probably do as much as the teachers with regards to keeping students in school.
They play a huge part because their help , guidance , knowledge , and friendliness is in the spotlight from the time a student even gets in the door.
I definitely agree that all domains of learning play an important role in the learning process.
Absolutely. I've had students complain that some one at the front desk doesn't respond when they say good morning and that makes the student upset. When I walk through the halls I always make sure to acknowledge every person that I walk by with a smile and say hello.
Teresa,
Absolutely! Every interaction, from the campus leader to the maintenance personnel impact retention. Faculty spend the most time with the students, but every interaction counts. Sometimes, the person the student 'bonds' with the most is someone outside the classroom.
Susan Backofen
They absolutely do. I had a student once complain that House-keeping was cleaning the restroom when the class went on break almost everyday.
This caused problems in a number of ways. The students were not able to concentrate during class, they were upset because they felt their needs did not matter to the cleaning personnel. Their very basic physiological needs were not met, they wondered what else the school did not care about. So I addressed this ASAP with my Program Director. He took care of it and the students were very happy that their faculty cared even about something that seemed as menial as restroom cleaning schedule.
I truly believe that everyone plays a role in retention. The campus I instruct at had a problem with the way the janitors were cleaning up the restrooms and the student lounges. Through a survey this was discovered and some of the reponses from the students lead to a follow up of the issues. Once the issues were resolved the students were happy once again.
They absolutely do! When a student sees their admissions rep or financial aid officer on campus and that staff member gives a smile and wave or asks "how you doin?", this really makes the student feel remembered and valued by the staff
