we already have many outside functions that the students will get involved with. We have had much success with this and we keep growing the programs inside as well.
We have discussed in one of your meetings to meet with all new students in the third week of school. This is so we can get a feel on how they are feeling and what we can do to help them be successful. We will be asking them questions like; what they expected, what are some things they would like to see changed, what in the admission process would they like to see chnaged if any, what can we do at this point and time in their education. We believe that if we get the students to meet with the indivduals in leadership early in their program, this will help them open up and see that the leadership staff is reachable and that they can come to us with any issues that might occur. This will be implemented next term.
Retention could go back to the orientation, if done properly it could help the student be prepared and will help with retention.
All of the variables you list are very important. How about advising? Number of times students attend advising session?
Dr. B
Our school has impleneted an "intervention" data base. Instructors update weekly progress in areas of attendance, grades, participation and other areas and this in stored for future instructors to see. It was a pain and just more work in the beginning but now provides a great deal of information about the student and his history. This info is usefull in teaching students that are at risk of dropping out.
We do alot here some examples are
Drag Racing @ the drag strip
Flag footbal tournament
Go Kart Racing
Bowling
We have a group of students and instructors that come up with and implement these great ideas.
We have many organizations, but they are not visible in my opinion. I know that if they were involved in orientation as well, it would benefit the new students.
At our campus we have subject related activities out side of the school. The school suports verious events and we are given discount tickets to these events for the students. On campus events during midday breaks offer students a time to get involved with fellow students. We also provide one Saturday a month to help students with the upkeep of there Trucks and automobiles with and open shop.
We have instituted such activities as, drag races, road rally, movie night and much more. Obviously many things don't always take hold with the caliber of student you might be dealing with, but you just have to keep on trying until something sticks.
The students who do volunteer seem to have better sucess at getting a job in racing. Sadly most do not. Sometimes it is because of having to work to support school, others it is because of being lazy.
I agree, Monica. I don’t think that they(peer to peer relationships)have to be limited to study groups, but I would encourage instructors to have at least one project that requires students to collaborate.
A list of retention activities might include the following:
Membership/Involvement of new students in the
Alumni Association
Mixers for students. Student clubs are encouraged to attend to “recruit.â€
Career days in each major area so that students can see what choices might be made (not for recruiting, but for information and to establish contact.)
Freshman picnics.
Buddies. New students buddy with each other. A student who has been there a while will team up with a couple of buddies. Faculty will team with several groups.
Care package program. Parents and friends are invited to send treats/snacks and greeting (encouragement) to students during exams.
Interviews with random students published in the periodical newspaper of the school.
A ‘new student’ Newsletter.
Community mixers.
Volunteer opportunities on and off campus.
Special interest club “rushes.â€
Student roundtables (televised) on campus/student issues including new student participation.
I am sure I will think of others as soon as this is posted.
Absolutely, I think peer to peer involvement and mentoring where appropriate is a core factor in retention
I think mentorships that are both instructor to student and graduating student to incoming newbie would be helpful. Also building in to each course 2-3 small in class group projects would be beneficial. All activities that build a sense of community are important. There could be weekly shows on the walls were students would offer their best work to be showcased.
the nature of mentoring itself is a relationship
Great. So, how do you make sure that a relationship is formed with admin and or staff?
Dr. B
Again mentoring is a great involvement for student, such as student that are new are paired with a student who has attended 3 terms or more. Award during graduation would be a great activity.
I think mentorships that are both instructor to student and graduating student to incoming newbie would be helpful. Also building in to each course 2-3 small in class group projects would be beneficial. All activities that build a sense of community are important. There could be weekly shows on the walls were students would offer their best work to be showcased.
You know, this is key. Help students to network with employers early in the educational process. Your idea will keep their vision alive.
Dr. B
Thanks for sharing. A nice idea. Informal communications helps to form good relationships.
Dr. B
