Donald,
Good point, Donald. Show students what they need to do to be successfull in the workplace and in their new careers.
Dr. Larry Banks
I would like to see more information delivered to new students regarding the certifications and credentials of the school. This applies to making students more marketable when seeking employment after graduation. I believe it would add more confidence in the student's choice of career training.
Sheila,
The key is to make the orientation motivational, too. Many times, we make them too administrative in nature.
Dr. Larry Banks
At the current time orientation is a one-time event. While comprehensive in the approach, the value of reinforcement of the orientation topic could reap many rewards with retention and student satisfaction. Orientation should focus on goals and time commitment followed by classroom reinforcement to positively affect retention. The College has a Student Ambassador program that could be expanded as a mentor program. Adding a student from each program on the Student Ambassador program could facilitate the mentor program. This section provided a plethora of useful ideas that can easily be implemented.
We continually look at each program we offer and this includes orientation. We strive to review and improve our programs after each occurance. We ask ourselves what worked and what didn't. After 10 years we have gone through many changes and I do believe we really do have it down now.
James,
Yes, student and faculty mixers really help students to connect and form relationships.
Dr. Larry Banks
We have had excellent orientations in the past, there was a lot of faculty and student interaction. We made a big deal introducing our staff to the new students. I like the idea of student faculty mixers that give an opportunity to interact on a more casual level. Orientation is extremely important to and has helped increase interactivity, communicate expectations and create the initial momentum necessary to develop create successful opportunities for our students.
David,
Do the best that you can to encourage.
Dr. Larry Banks
I totally agree. Unfortunately I personally am not in charge of the agenda for orientation. I make it my business to be involved and available as their instructor when students are assigned to my class.
David,
Do what you can to have orientations that inspire graduation. I know it is hard... but well worth it.
Dr. Larry Banks
Our orientation is run mostly by our management staff. Unfortunately because we have had a rash of students who don’t want to follow some of our rules, the focus has become emphasizing sternly the campus rules especially when it comes to uniform requirements. Unfortunately this starts the students out feeling like their being talked down to. This time could be better used on test taking skills, grading procedures, support departments and ways the students can help themselves, or who they can contact when help is needed.
at our school we don't have a formal mentoring. Employees mentor when the chance arises. We have a very good orientation, but not all of the students make it on that day. Which puts those students at a disadvantage.
I also feel that almost every instructor mentors the students in their class. I know that with the currant work load, and the fact that we are not assigned mentee's some of the student problems may fall thru the cracks. This is the reason I feel we need more formal mentors. The informal mentoring will still occur but this gives an option to the student if they don't connect with their current instructor, they would have an option of someone else to turn to.
amber,
Wonderful. Musicians need to share and love to share... in a funny way sometimes. It is very important to break the ice by building self-concept.
Dr. Larry Banks
We try to make sure that all staff and faculty are present for orientation, which helps the students know where to go for what as well as get acquainted with everyone. We stress the importance of extra help sessions as well, which is very important for a struggling student's success. We have students go around the room and introduce themselves, tell us where they're from and what kind of music they like (we're an audio engineering school). This usually breaks the ice when students find that they're from the same place and/or they like the same kind of music. We also have the students tell us why they chose to come to school, their response usually gives a pretty good insight as to what kind of expectations they have. Being an audio engineering school, I feel that having relevant music related activities or games would help break the ice even more, as well as give them an idea of what's in store for them.
Joshua,
I promise. This works and will help your retention.
Dr. Larry Banks
We have tried many different versions of our orientation program. One area I beleieve that would help to improve current retention is having more current students involved in the process. In addition, having more graduates involved in the process would also be beneficial.
Stephen,
Excellent. Try adding Career Services to the mix. Let new students know that your grads are getting jobs.
Dr. Larry Banks
Our current Orientation Program revolves around our students getting to know the various departments in the school. They are given presentations by the managers of each department to provide a face with the department. The manager gives a brief decription of the services provided within the area. In most cases, the longest presentation is by the Education Director helping to prepare the student for their educational journey. Most of this presentation revolves around school policies and procedures. While this format seems to accomplish some goals, spending only a few hours at the school more than likely is not sufficient. I feel a second or even third orientation session could better prepare the student for school life and give more time for interaction with other students and instructors at the campus.
Van,
I love the idea of student ambassadors. Bringing in a few faculty will augment your retention efforts.
Dr. Larry Banks
Currently we have admissions staff, president, director of education and department chairs at the orientation. We also have a couple of students who are student ambassadors to let the new students know they are available to answer questions at any time. I think it would be helpful to also bring in a couple of the instructors-particularly those who teach the intro classes so that the new students have a chance to connect before that first day of class. That way they can see at least one familiar face and help to lessen the first day anxiety.
