This class reinforced my ideas of implementing more non-class related activities in order to get the students more involved and incorporate a better sense of community.  I feel that if they just come to class, and aren't involved any other way it's more likely that they will leave.  They need to feel a connection to the school.  Implement activities that are relevant to the industry also remind them why they are here.  It's easy to lose sight of them if you struggling in other areas of your life.  I look forward to taking more of these classes and gathering ideas.

Orientation has always been a big deal here.  It's always been an "all hands on deck" mentality here.  However, the first week of class outside of the classroom hasn't really been stressed as much.  I realize how crucial that week is, but I also now understand that it's just as important out of the classroom.  Most of our students are from out of town, and getting everyone together and involved in outside activities is extremely important for them.  After taking RT102, I am on a mission to create something new and fun for the students' first week in order to… >>>

This course provided me with a lot of insight.  At my school, instructors aren't really held responsible for retention nearly as much as the Student Services Coordinator.  It helps to see that it's the responsibility of the entire school and not just one person in order to keep students happily enrolled.  It also reinforced some of the ideas I already had such as instructor/student services communication, more activities in order to build a sense of community and better communication (newsletters, etc).  I also found it helpful to go to the forums and see that many others face the same struggles… >>>