I always felt like students that know how important being job ready is, helps with retention. It goes beyond resume writing, but also should include interview preperation and soft skills. Career Services knows what employers want, so they are that bridge in my view.

I always said that instructors are the experts in their field, and students understanding this, helps with retention. Instructors and students must have a relationship that encourages questions and effective communication. It is also important that instructors be trained on how to work with a diverse student population.

I like the idea of a mentoring program, and I think we can incorporate some of the items I learned into our Student Ambassadors program at the campus. 

Giving students the tools to be successful before they start classes includes information during the admissions process. I go over the catalog with new students during orientation, and I include a segment on how to be successful in college, but geared towards my student population. I also include the support system we have, and the processes we have that involve student retention.