Our school is just entering its second year and is fully online. We have challenges because of the online format. We have an orientation video which discusses how students can be successful in the course. However, I think we need to add some components based on what I have been learning. I believe we should add information about time management because many of our students also work full time and take our courses part time. We need to focus on some of the specific skills that will help them be successful in their new career. We also could have the professors ask the students in class discussions how they are doing with course requirements. I think all of these factors could improve our retention rate.
Paula,
This is a great idea. Orientation should start at the time of enrollment and go through into the students second term, semester, quarter, etc.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Ron,
Please tell me more. Sounds great and successful.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Our orientation is only about 1 hour long the week before their start date. I feel that this is too much information in a small amount of time. Then by the time they start they forget a lot of what was told to them. The instructor does go over the student handbook on the first day.
I would like to implement that everyday for the first two weeks should be orientation at the end of the day. Freshman students talking with all instructors about how the first few days went, what their concerns are and how to implement a solution.
We use a system called KICK START (we are a motorcycle training school). It creates a "brother-hood" among students. And as they're introduced to the manufactures and depts.. they develop ownership over their future
Audrey,
Are there any follow up orientation events or related after the students start?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
My school conducts orientation the week before the start. We also include breakout sessions. This is we're the students are separated according to each program. This allows for the new students to meet others in their program and ask specific program questions.
Jacqueline,
Sounds like a good program for that day. How is orientation continued through the first class, term, etc.?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
All departments participate in the new student orientations. We also provide a "Foundations for Success" program for students who are required to take remedial courses. We are constantly changing our programs to create better connections between students during the events. They are also broken into groups by program so they can get to know others who will be pursuing the same major. We serve food, play music during breaks in presentations and have representation from student services, learning center, financial aid, career services, and the academic departments.
Susan,
This is a good idea. Whatever you can do to prepare the student and set expectations is helpful.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Currently, we use a telephone interview process to reinforce information about the degree program and to go over the steps which will occur after the student has enrolled. I think to improve this process, it would be good to schedule a time for the mentor to talk with the student once the first course materials have been mailed and received by the student. This way, someone is "walking" the student through the requirements for the first course and reiterating the school's expectations. Orientations and additional processes are necessary especially at solely distance education university since students interact with the school, staff, and faculty differently than if they were to go to a physical campus.
Francis,
All good topics to address with any student. Sometimes students that have been out of school for awhile need a small reminder.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Working with adult student, it is imperative to re-acclimate students with academics. Many students come in and have time management issues, never completed online coursework and a lack of financial aid sophistication. Academics, course delivery, and financial aid are three important areas to cover in non-traditional degree programs.
Jamie,
I like the one-on-one with the program chairs. Better than a "talking head" presentation.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Orientation is very important. Our orientation includes a meet and greet with the different departments and faculty. The students get to speak to one another and get to speak one on one with their program chairs to learn more detail about the program they are enrolling into. The students also get their ID badges, a tour and a presentation of the Student Portal that they use throughout their time at the school and are shown how to navigate through it.
Suzanne,
This is a suggestion worth making. Those who have traveled the path ahead can help those that follow.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
James,
There are several models for mentoring or ambassador programs that support the purpose of a "buddy" program.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I would like to see 'senior' students come and give a testimonial at our orientation.
I think by having a student follow or "Buddy" a current student for a day would help a new student become more at ease with the school.
Gregory,
This expectation should be presented sooner. If this is not part of any product knowledge training for admissions it would be wise to add this to the training.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
