I'm not sure there are too many options. I guess I'd just like to stress the importance of modelling helpful behavior from the top to the bottom of the organizational chart. Student opinions and perceptions are weighted heavily towards top-level administration. We all need to be careful that we set the tone for creating a culture for retension, especially the higher up the organizational chart we go.

I'd like to hear some comments on dealing with someone at the highest levels in an academic institution that refuses to work on setting the tone for a positive culture for students.

How as instructors do we uncover the paradigm from which individual students operate? Obviously most of us are not trained in psychology, but are there tools available to help us look for certain behaviors that reveal a person's outlook on life? Are schools conducting training in this area for faculty?