Kent,
Having the freshman at graduation is a great idea. They see the others that went before them and know it can be done.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
We currently have an honors program and are also looking at inviting the freshman class to graduation.
We also recognize important dates and provide those days off for the students.
Kent
Marie,
Recognition is a very powerful and positive support mechanism.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
We have student appreciation days as well as an awards ceremony at the end of each term. We celebrate the success of our students during these times. We give awards for honor roll, perfect attendance, and most improved student. The students love these activities.
We also try to get the students involved in the community. When we don't have anything scheduled, they ask for it. That shows me that they enjoy it.
Any kind of food club always gets the sudents going.
This is a great statement. The activities should center around the idea of having fun, and also using the aquired skills learned in class.
Kay,
Recognition such as certificates goes a big way for students.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
We have student appreciation days when the students can invite friends and family. We grill hamburgers, hot dogs, etc. . . . Also, awards are given out for President's Dean's etc. . .list and perfect attendance. Also student and teacher of the month/quarter. Also, we have nominated students for Who's Who. Granted it [WW] is a way to make money for the company, but that certificate means "a ton" to the students.
We currently do not have any student studies for example student council and clubs. We are currently getting student council up and running and have them organizes some clubs which will be very beneficial to the students.
Cara,
While almost all career schools are commuter schools offering these opportunities to students does indeed strengthen the connection to the school.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
It is very important to try to get the students on campus when they do not have class, in the way of clubs or other events. This helps the studfents bond with the school in a more social way. It helps bulid friendships that they may not have the chance to bulid during class.
Arthur,
Thank you. These are all great ways to provide student involvement. I would like to learn more about your student appreciation day. In my experience I have seen these be full days of lots of activity and at the other end a cookout during lunch.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Because of our location, student body and programs our activites are limited. But we do have a "Student Appreciation Day" every quarter. We encourage study groups, print newsletters and have a FaceBook page.
Venusa,
These are all good programs to improve school improvement. When and how often are students made aware of these programs? What percentage of students partake of these opportunities?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
The following are some of the activities done to enhance student retention:
1. Service Learning activities: where students get the chance to be involved in the community by applying what they learned in school. Since it is an allied health school, students learned clinical and soft skills, and get the chance to apply them in real life situation where they perform clinical services and interact with real patients.
2. creating student ambassador where student leaders get the chance to develop their potentials while they take the lead and influence other students create a culture of academically inclined and success-driven communtiy.
3. student mentorship program where each student is assigned to partner with a new student and serves as a mentor. In this manner, it promotes sense of accountability, leadership and academic advancement.
4. Schedule recreational activity for students at least once or twice a year ( preferably prior to semestral break ) and offer them opportunity to socialize with each other in the form of a lunch party where institutional or programmatic activities are also discussed.
shaelyn,
New and prospective students do like to hear from those that went before them. It helps provide them real expectations.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
We have students in higher terms host potlucks for our newer students. This provides them both with an opportunity to meet peole other than their classmates, but it also gives our new students tips and information about how our higher terms students handeled the subjects our newer students maybe struggling with
Meagan,
Yes, students do want the whole school experience but their life schedule often does not permit them to partake other than classes. At one of my previous schools students got credit in class if they brought proof they attended a job fair held during their class time.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Planning activities during class time has worked while. Yes, it takes students out of the classroom for a few minutes, but it makes them feel they are involved with the school. When activities are scheduled after or before classes, many students leave.
We offer student appreciation day each term. Giving prizes and awards to these students keeping them excited about school.
