During the first week of class, I let students know that it is very important to get acquainted with each other. At my institution our program is an eight month program, I try tell students to look out for each other and to stay in each other's corner.
Using a buddy, or mentor, system is very helpful. This can be peers or members of the faculty and staff. If there is someone there that can answer questions and be a friendly face will make them feel more connected to the college. We also regularly schedule a student appreciation event during the start week of our mid-starts (6 week start). This helps them feel more a part of the college too. Normally we have faculty and staff serving food during these events so they can meet many people. Everyone loves food.
We have several of the Admissions team opening the door for the students as they enter the building. They see that familiar face and I think it makes them fell better.
We have something going on everyweek, along with the student appreciation day. We really are able to get to know the students, with these ativities.
Robert--
Excellent point...eating together does bring a different type of bond to groups. The more informal, non-threatening activities we can provide students helps to build their sense of community.
Susan
Keys to Success
The Keys are used to create a positive educational experience, enhance professionalism, and teach necessary life skills
I Give the students a good introduction of my self, and have them introduce each other with a little detail I learned quite a few helpful things in this module. I never thought about how letting a class out early could have an impact on their perception of the school. On the last day, instructors dismiss class early.
I see a lot of "food" related social activities. While I like this idea, I think it's most important that the students feel comfortable talking to the staff. Introducing them to staff members and make sure they know where offices are of people they can talk to. The social activities will get them interacting with each other, and can work better if other faculty can be involved as well.
I work in the library. We always have an library orientaton session the first week of a term for those students beginning school that term. I think that this makes them comfortable in seeing the library, getting to know what services and resources we have, and letting them know that it we are available for them.
There is a perception that we are "just books" - we use this opportunity to show that we are much, much more than "books."
I find donuts are a good way to break the ice bring the students closer together and let them see the instructor in a different light.Also studies do show when people eat together there is a special bound thst is forged.
Look at how the US military has embeded reporters
the reporters tend to get that us against the world.
I take my students around campus and introduce them to various faculty and staff along the way. I show them where to go and who to contact for specific issues they may have throughout their college career. Introducing them to various staff members helps them feel comfortable in contacting the right person for their issue. The staff is always gracious in meeting and greeting students as I take them around campus. I ask the students to take notes along the way so they may refer back to it when needed.
Food is always to break the ice and have people to begin to socialize and relax more. Offer some doughnuts, cookies, or popcorn and have a discussion about concerns or what they feel good bout.
Letting the students know if they have any trouble with my class I am here to help them get the hang of things. I am in my class early so if they want to come by to get help in some areas of the class they are welcome
It is important to enhance the students initial visit by assuring them that they have made a wonderful decision, and to commend them on their decision to pursue a degree.
Getting together with the instructor and other students in the class.
I like the idea of taking a class picture. Also many students are at our school to make a better life for their kids. One idea might be to create a wall of photos or a list of goals that each student created. By hanging this in the classroom they will have a daily reminder of why they are there.
It always helps when the new students see the success of those who have come and gone the halls they are walking right now. Displaying and strategically putting pictures of graduates along the classroom halls helps with the mental picture that it will be them up there...someday! Early appreciation week gets the continuing and new students together and have the student ambassadors go out of their way to welcome the new students. Give information on student clubs they can join, what future activities are coming and the sorts really boosts the moral of both, with the old students feeling an ownership of the responsibility while the new ones feel welcome and have a sense of belongingness.
I really liked the idea of having an informal event just for new students with food, and having administration and faculty serve. I know in the past we have managed to do small events like pancake days that were not too costly or time consuming, but were still fun and drew a lot of people. However, we've always done this with the whole campus, or at least a whole program, and I really see how important it is to let just this new group bond. What are some suggestions for making an exclusive activity like this that is very noticable without making other students feel left out?
I already do an icebreaker with my students the first week of class so they can get to know each other. I also normally have candy for them and as they get to know each other and are able to answer questions, they have their choices of candy. Also, during the entire semester, I try to bring something fun into the classroom so they stay involved. The one thing I would like to change though, is coming up with more and different activities to keep them involved. I guess I will need to research that one!
Donna--
Two very great ideas! Thanks for sharing.
Susan
Food always seems to be the answer for us. However, we don't provide food the first week, which I'm now thinking we should after completing this course. We have grill outs & pizza parties, thanksgiving dinners for those who can't go home and so forth. During the first week, instructors go over policies and procedures in more detail and give students a more thorough understanding of how things work, and who to go to, etc. After reading these forums and completing the course, I plan on finding ways to include activities for the first week.
