Get Your Students Hired
Good for you. Building relationships is one major key. Have you considered advising centered on career themes? Remember, students study of a reason... to get the job of their dreams.
Dr. B
We have an existing new student orientation program that is implemented prior to the students' start. In the past that was it. However, in the last year we have been establishing several different ways to communicate with our newest additions. Student Service Representatives go to entry level classes and talk to them about various things that were discussed in the initial orientation. The Registrar spends time in the lower level classes explaining the schedule, prerequisites, etc. The Deans spend time in these classes talking about academic probation, GPA, and completion rate. Now we are processing a new initiative where our instructors create opportunities to encourage student bonding at the very beginning of their programs. We are looking for ways in which instructors can help build these relationships.
We are currently retooling our online student orientation program. In the past, students simply completed a mini-course that prepared them for navigating the online classroom environment but did not include any other important elements that online students need preparation for. The result was that many online students had expectations that did not match their classroom experiences. Additionally, it was more difficult to develop a sense of community with the online students. Our new orientation program is including elements to address these issues as well as prepare new online students for organization and time management issues.
Retention improvement never ends. The key is attention to retention equals "retention."
Dr. B
I believe we have a good one in place it seems to have all qualifing parts in place. We have drawn from our best instructors to do the on line courses. The behind the scene research that has been done is increditable. And we are still working it.
Do what you can to link with new starts from the start. This makes a huge difference.
Dr. B
I agree with you. Instructors can have a great influence on students. Have you talked with your instructors about coaching and advising on career themes? Sometimes we forget why students come to our school in the first place. Give this some thought.
Dr. B
Katheryn,
I think that is great that all of your instructors are present at orientation. This is something that I think we will move towards. Generally adjunct instructors are not obligated to come but since they make up a substantial percentage of the teaching population I thinks it will be beneficial for them to be present.
We currently have an orientation program in place. We certainly can improve this process by having more of the instructors present. Our instructors are the ones that will establish the most effect rapport with the students because they will interact with them on a daily basis. We have also thought about moving our student appreciation day up to the first week of classes as opposed to the last week for these reasons. We want the students to get that interaction in their first week of classes.
Students are encouraged to self assess their needs as they progress through the quarter. They are contacted by their academic advisors weekly and at the mide term given a face to face advising to help them determine their needs and what can be done to assist them in their academic progress.
We have a fairly comprehensive orientation program currently, but I think there are ways to improve upon what we are doing. One area is to possibly add on a mini orientation on day one because with only one main orientation students feel overwhelmed with all the information they are getting. Also, I want us to incorporate more faculty to connect with the students, maybe have them lead 15 minute group discussion where students rotate through, yet another opportunity is to involve graduates so they can share their experience with new students.
I love the idea of having graduates come in and speak at orientation. We currently have our Student Ambassadors involved, but I think having a graduate would be an added bonus. Great idea!
I feel we have a comoprehensive orienation program. We cover many a wide variety of topics; such as the importance of attending each class, being responsible, help is avaialable, the support they will receive, to enjoy the experience, how do you get books, contact information, introduction of all the Department Directors, question and answer. At the end of the orientation, the new students are given a second tour of the campus by their Program Director - this way, the PD meets some of their new students and begins the relationship building at this time.
I think one thing that can help our program just letting the student know we are always there keep an open door policy and just say Hi
here at school we have a program where the different departments come into the auditorim explain their duties and prcedures makes sure every one knows who to contact and for what.We escort the students through the different departments. There is a time schedule and a question and answer period. On first day of all of our classes there is an SOP session where the instructor informs the students of the schedule how he grades what is expected in labs. he uses this time also to set up lab groups and introduce the students to one another and introduce himself.
My program is a part time graduate program. Orientation would take place the first night's class. I see the importance of having this first class session as "kick - off" or ceremony type meeting where the heads of the program and other higher level employees attend. This gives the student a feeling of belonging and cared for by the institution.
I would love for our school to implement some of the great ideas and points given on this module. Orientation should not only be about buying books and getting your photo ID.
Yes, I agree... students need to know how to navigate the school. Another key purpose of student orientation is to keep the student's vision alive. Remember, why did he or she enroll? It is important to link careers with the school. In other words, answer the question... show new students how your school will help them to acheive their career goals.
Dr. Banks
I believe that an orientation program that focuses around developing core skills will allow students to succeed. For example, students will need to know how to access the many resources available to them such as tutoring services, the library, and writing center. The orientation could also help them to find a mentor so that they have someone that can respond to their questions. Lastly, the orientation program can get them in the mindset to take their education into their hands. I think that students who feel empowered to learn will be the most likely to complete the degree program.