We have one on one discussions w/ each of our students daily.
Jason,
You raise a common concern among career colleges. Too often, students do nothing but attend class on campus due to other life responsibilities.
Jeffrey Schillinger
We--faculty and staff alike--are encouraged to immediately follow-up with students who are missing class. We also post "high fives," birthdays, and exemplary student work.
One thing I wish we did more was make our campus more of a destination by providing food service and lounge areas.
One of the suggestions from my institution regarding giving students enough attention is having a one to one session prior to the commencement of class every day. Individuals are encouraged to voice their opinions on the progress of the course and any issues that might arise, whether personal or school related.
Tammy ,
These are tried and true career college strategies.
Jeffrey Schillinger
we call our students if they are absent and make sure they are okay.Then we find out when they are coming back. We make sure we greet each student and that lets them know we care not just think of them as a number.
Thank you, John. How does the college consolidate and use information you receive from students in this manner?
Jeffrey Schillinger
We have a survey monjey the student can access anytime to write comments about the instructor or class.
Thank you for this post, Wanda. What are some specific behaviors that you expect from your team members that demonstrate "I care?"
Jeffrey Schillinger
At our school we have all signed a pledge to care. Our name badges have I CARE clearly displayed. Our pledge is to, Care, Help, Respect and Listen to our students and fellow staff members. Wearing this pledge reminds each of us daily how we should treat our students and each other.
Michael,
What are some of the strategies your school used to improve attendance and grades?
Jeffrey Schillinger
We do alot of student advisements for attendence issues or grading issues. I believe that helps the studens, it also lets them know you are paying attention and want them to secceed.
Absolutely- we look at it as an area of opportunity to improve and use this forum rather than wait for the bi annual surveys to get student feedback in a more timely manner
Stephen,
Thanks for this post. Do you solicit student feedback about the town halls and newsletters?
Jeffrey Schillinger
We have frequent student Town hall info sessions to keep the students up to date every 3 months. We also have monthly student council meetings to discuss matters at hand. there is a monthly newsletter that gets sent out as well.
Sarah,
Pizza is the number one retention tool used by career colleges. It works!
Jeffrey Schillinger
we provide a weekly attendance challenge with some kind of "reward" for perfect attendance. Often the "reward" is food. Students love getting fed. We also frequently have a drawing for a Kindle or some other item. All students with perfect attendeance are entered into the drawing of the week. We easily have 50% of our students striving toward this incentive. Of course, we continue to work with the students who do not meet this goal. We have made it a campus effort to get all faculty and staff on board with all retention efforts.
Lise,
Great plan. Thanks for sharing it.
Jeffrey Schillinger
We meet our students at the door to the classroom and speak to them when they come in. We talk with them throughout the day and ask how things are going. We also meet with them one on one at different times during the quarter. If a student is absent, we call them and ask them how things are going, what can we do to help, when will they be coming back, things like that to let them know we are interested in their lives.
James,
Thanks for this post. What are some specific things you do in class to show you are paying attention?
Jeffrey Schillinger
