support system
Many times students come into our facilities with a dream in mind. Their goal, to be a successful person, yet many times they lack the support system at home or with their families. As instructors, we become their support system. We need to take the time and know each student not just as a student but as an individual.
I let my students know day one that whatever they need we are here for them, to listen and help in anyway. I have found letting my students know that when they are not here they are missed. The students sometimes don't have anyone to count on except for their instructors and it is imperative that we let them know they have support here at school.
Mark,
Being available to students goes a long way toward developing the mentor relationship that leads to student success. Does your school require office hours or specific times that faculty members must be available to students?
One way I act as a support system for my students, is that I am always available to help them with their cars.
I agree with Mieke. A lot of the times the students are the first ones to go to college, so it seems like it isn't important to other family members. I am the Student Services Coordinator at my school and I meet with the students regularly from the time of orientation until they complete their program. This non-support at home seems to be very common with our students, so I try my best to encourage them and let them know that they can achieve their goals and change the cycle. I also share some of my experience with the student if it relates to what they are going through, because I was the first one to go to college. It is important that the student feels like he or she is not the only one that has/had this issue and that he or she can still attain their educational goals, despite what goes on at home. I let them know that if they don't get the support at home, we will be their support team. They leave my office feeling better and encouraged.
I have run into this with a few of my students. It is imperative they understand that they are able to achieve their goals and we as staff or instructors or mentors are there to see that through. They have to believe in themselves and that is important to impart.
