Making a Positive Impact
What are some ideas to create a comfortable campuswhere the students are relaxed and the atmosphere is positive?
I believe one of the best things we can do is to know who we are speaking to. We need to keep in mind who our audience is and make sure that we do not speak over there heads which will make them fill dumb or talk under them which will make the audience feel you think they do not understand what you are saying or that you do not think they are smart. This happens in scholar settings. Always know who your audience is and speak to them not at them.
Our college has mainly adult learners who have been out of school for at least 15 years. It is an accelerated environment so that most people who come here are serious, want to finish quickly, and move on to work. Our orientation is important and it takes anywhere from one to two days depending on the program selected. Students are anxious and worried when they come back to school. Some fear that they may do poorly and are embarrassed thinking this could happen in front of their own children. We try to set them at ease with what seems to be their needs. Some needs are just to know the rules and get control over this environment. Other things are study skills, writing skills, learning strategies etc. We provide a handbook that we developed for each student with a college pen. This has been a big hit.
Sometimes it's better to weave rules and regs in later without taking away the excitement of a "Graduation Preview"/Orientation. Some schools weave them into one of the first courses they take like a college success course etc.
We have found that when we eliminate the rules and policies section from Orientation students are less informed about certain options and expectations, which creates frustration later. What venue do you use to convey this information?
I agree! We need to constantly look "outside the box" for new and exciting ideas.
Our school has a similar approach to orientation. Although the degree of success is difficult to measure, the real challenge is to constantly come up with new ways to "keep the ball rolling". Many of the suggestions, such as playing music, allowing the students to take frequent breaks and others are, while excellent ideas, not practical for schools such as ours. As a result, we must find new ways to keep the students comfortable and interested.
I think the student council is a great addition to the campus. I have seen more involvement in the students since its inception.
I think when students know that their instructor/department head/ counselor is available and open to suggestions, it creates a more relaxed and positive atmosphere. Now, obviously, the staff/counselor cannot be available 24/7, but if they allow a few hours out of the day to address any concerns, or just to talk, it lets the students know that they are available and that they care.
Sharon,
All of your posts were excellent!!!
You grasp and practice all of these concepts extremely well. Let me know if I can be of any further assistance to you or your staff.
My best,
Joe
About a year ago we completely revamped our Orientation process. We have lots of fun, play music and games, constantly congratulate students on their decision to further their education and give them an opportunity to meet the administrators, each other, and graduates. The purpose to to make them feel welcome and to feel good about the step they are taking. They also receive some practical advise about succeeding in school but we don't bog down the process with rules, policies and to do lists. There are more appropriate venues for those items. Orientation is a celebration and an affirmation. Anyone want to dance?
In orientation and throughout the students program we encourage students to be professional and at the same time we try to foster a positive atmosphere where the student can be comfortable but not too comfortable. We all keep in mind that part of the training we give is in the professional aspect of the industry the student is about to enter. They will work as they practice so if they get too comfortable they may be ill prepared for the reality of their extern/internship or that of the workplace. We constantly keep the communication channels open and host various events to provide a comfortable and positive environment. However we try not do so to the extent of interfering with their education.
I think is good idea established groups with same points of view foe intregated the comunity university.
The best place to begin creating the proper atmosphere is at the student orientation. Here is where the initial impression of a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere should be established. Students need to feel that they "fit in" and that they made the right choice of attending your school.
What is the atmosphere like at your school?
Joe
