Our school has Student Ambassadors for each program. These are students who apply for the position and their job is to assist all students with acclimating to the environment of school and act as a liason to the instructors in situations where the student just needs someone to talk to and the instructor is not available. It has been a very successful program at our school.
Personally seek out new students that are not in my classes to say hello and ask how things are going. Gives them an opportunity to let me know if they are having any issues and I can intervene early with tutoring or other advice. I can also remind them where to find me and when I am available as well as reinforce that I am always just an email away.
The student's need to be linked to the college in some way. The easiest way to accomplish this is with classmates, however not all classmates remain enrolled. This leaves the option for a college organization or a professional organization that links the student to the college and gives them an activity to participate in.
Tyson
In our Medical Assisting Program we now have a Student Society, they want to help with retention and are planning some first week activities to get to know fellow students. This encorporates alot that was discussed in this class.
First week activities could include grup activities or assignments,so that the students can have a chance to work together and get to know one another.
Showing the students that the learning institution really care about them as a person and that we're here to help and assist.
Lori--
Sounds like you really have the students best interest at heart. Good job!
Susan
Since I work at a small private college I can make myself available after the first week of classes or at the beginning of the second week and ask the students how things are going, how was their first week, and make sure they know that I'm available if they have any questions or concerns. Although my job is continuous and I am always working with the next group of applicants, it is important to connect with them and let them know I am still available.
At my University the first week they are scheduled to an orientatin with Student Services who goes over school policy and procedures, how to apply for different stuff such as books, library card, sending official transcripts, whose role plays what in their education process, financial aid, VA certifications , reimbursement process. I also get each one to tell their story why they decided to enroll at the University and the program the chose. This warms them up to eachother. The second week they meet our administrative staff, they learn about our President, the history of the school, meet the instructor, course expectations and first assignment.
On the first day of the course, I have each student share their name with the class as well as three other facts about themselves. Two have to be true and one has to be a lie. The class has to guess which statement is the lie. I have noted that the students start to relax and open up after this activity.
On the first day of the course, I have each student share their name with the class as well as three other facts about themselves. Two have to be true and one has to be a lie. The class has to guess which statement is the lie. I have noted that the students start to relax and open up after this activity.
Jeff--
That is great to hear. Coordinating this information can make a big difference for students and ensure a smooth hand off.
Susan
The first day of class is one way to set the tone. Introductions, explanations of the course, discussion of resources, and tips for success are a must. As the week progresses, through the tutorial I learned how helpful "food" can be. I would bring the students together for a social gathering.
Our admissions reps are really great about working with us instructors to help us get to know the students personally from Day One and about any issues that we should know about so that we can start to tailor our instruction to fit each individaul better. It's really nice to know who has industry experience and who doesn't, who is a career changer, etc. Just a simple heads up can change the way you talk to someone on that first day and change the entire rest of the course.
We do a great job of having the admissions reps follow up with all new students during the first week. Instructors call as soon as the studnet does not show for class and they communicate with the admissions reps so they can help contact the student. I like the idea of having events during the first week to keep the students excited; I will be discussing this with my DOE to see how we can incorporate this on our campus.
I very much enjoy inviting guest speakers to class to discuss how their work relates to those of our new students. I feel that it is great connection opportunity. I also like getting students who participate in various activities and clubs to come talk. Students typically will respond better when hearing the information from one of their own. We also hold first week bbqs, hosted by the student council. This is a great opportunity for the students to get to know one another and it is a good fund-raising opportunity for the club. Campus tours and department visits are other processes we have in place that really seem to work well.
I very much encourage visits from every department in the school. This allows for another opportunity in a somewhat more relaxed environment, for students to ask questions. I also like taking students to those other departments so they know exactly where they are, a mini campus tour. Guest speakers are great and incorporating as much interaction between students is essential.
We just held a meet and greet here as well, it was a great way to get the students interacting and making some friends before class started
Mathias--
The small group activity sounds like it works very well. You are correct, students always feel much more comfortable in smaller groups.
Do you use specific activities in the groups?
Susan
On the first day of class I introduce myself and talk about some of my qualification. I talk about what it is that I enjoy outside of the classroom. After going over the course sylabi amd all other expectations I have the group break off into smaller groups and inrtoduce each other and get to know each other. I've found that a lot of the students feel a little more comfortable talking about themselves in smaller groups. After they've talked amongst themselves in the groups they rotate groups and talk amongst those small groups. It seems to me that students feel more comfortable talking in smaller groups than in larger ones.
