Landon--
Sounds like you have a great process laid out here to ensure students are very supported. Congrats!
Susan
We currently support our orientation and helping our students become part of the campus and part of their cohort by:
1. Instructors being in the class 15-30 mins early to connect with early arriving students in a personal manner.
2. Instructor, Academic Advisor, and Program Chair "Meet and Greet" event during the first week of class. (Current students further along in the degree programs are also present this allows for opportunities for students outside of their cohort to connect and build relationships)
3. Programatic Academic Advisors that will work with the student through their entire enrollment come into the one of the first week classes to connect with their students and start building a rapport with their students. (sharing their purpose as a support mechanism and contact information)
4. Programatic Academic Advisors schedule and meet with each student within their program within the first 3 weeks of class, to further the rapport they started building on the class visit.
5. Instructor shares their biography with the class, how long they have been with the institution , what their passion is for the subject and the connection between the subject and the career industry.(WIFM)
6. Students are given a reinforcing tour/orientation of the campus and the support services that are available to them (including where their current instructors office and office hours are). (On the first day when fear can be high, asking the students to get up and get out of the classroom to experience the campus helps to connect them further) Where are the restrooms? Where do I go if I have a problem? What happens if I have a schedule issue? etc.
7. Students are asked in the closing of the first class session to introduce themselves, where they are from, what their passion is for the degree field, what strengths they currently possess, and what is their greatest challenge to their success their degree program. (This allows the students to become more familiar with each other and connect with classmates that may share interests of compliment their strengths or challenges)
I give a brief discription of my experience and how I became an instructor, what the expectations of the class are, and have the students introduce themselves to each other. We also try to get them into hands on activities as quickly as possible.
making the students feel at home, safe and in an environment where mistakes are ok, but correcting them is also important.
Learning everyones name and using it rightr away makes students feel more welcome
Bruce--
This sounds like a great format. Do you have specific activities that you have found especially effective?
Susan
I like to have an introduction of the class the instructor and all of the students. I like to have all of the students give a small piece of information about themselves so they feel like we as a learning institute care about them as people. I will also try to get the students involved in a group activity so they can get to know their classmates and feel more comfortable.
Once a student enters the class, greeting them personally on the first day is important. After the class goals and structure are outlined, it would be a good time for the students to individually introduce themselves to their classmates and briefly let everyone know what their goals are. Once this is accomplished, the instuctor can present his or her background and in a general way show how their background and class activity can help everyone in reaching their goals for a successful future. Hopefully, this will generate an excitement that will keep the student in school.
Carl--
Haven't tried it myself, but I think it's a great idea. Someone earlier mentioned changing up the groups so everyone got to meet more people. Your idea is a good one, too.
Susan
I was thinking of trying a 'speed dating' format on the first night as an ice-breaker. The students would rotate so that they each had a few minutes to talk to each other with a list of prepared questions. Has anyone tried this?
Carl
Kristilyn--
That is a very important skill...good for you to teach them about learning and communication styles. This is a skill they will use everyday on and off the job.
Susan
We also do that and we integrate some critical thinking and address that you will not have the same instructor and teaching style the whole time you are here. This helps them to know ahead. As well as giving them some Pacific Institute self esteem and study skills help.
I think the first important tool we utilized was an ice breaker, then a tour of the important places on campus, FA office, bookstore, bathrooms, lounge and academic offices for questions. (student services if you have one.)
They often get a tour at the beginning with admissions but don't often have follow up and feel a little lost.
I always spend time the first day as well as on and off during the first week. Speaking with the students about their goals and hopes, I have found that letting them know that you are there to support them in achieving those goals is an important factor.
I work for a culinary schools so it would be good to schedule career workshops in between classes to help give them more insight about the industry. This will help gain their interest more about the program they chose to enroll into.
tell all the students what they are going to learn and how cool the school and classes are
A sacvenger hunt is not a bad way for the students to find information about parking,FA, student services and course related items.Have them get signatures or use their phones to take pictures of the areas of concern.
William--
Sounds like you do a lot the first week to make people comfortable and acclimate to your institution. Great job.
Susan
As this is a culinary school, food is king! One of the activities that has become a regular Day One expectation is an all-school BBQ. We also hold a Pizza Portal Party at the end of week one. This event allows us to ensure student ability to use our primary electronic communication system. Each of these activities are led by members of our student council, encouragaing further student bonding with all.
Tours, industry guests, Advisor meetings, Dean speaks, friendly competitions between faculty, pizza party, one on one job resourcing.
The social events during the first week are pretty important at our school. The new students seem to enjoy the interaction with existing students, faculty and alumni. The events serve a dual purpose of also enhancing our connection with our alumni and community. I believe these events are very important and provide a wonderful opportunity for students to build realtionships and connections with the school.
