I believe the faculty set the tone for the entire experience. They're on the front lines. It's important that any frustrations with the institution not be shared with the students.

Because we have enrollments every three months, I believe that the staff can become a little lax in their approach to the orientation. The most effective orientations are the ones that we don't do halfway.

Our institution requires a minimum level of attendance. Often, students fail to meet this requirement and as a result, we must terminate their enrollment. I've often found it difficult when I have to act as a truancy officer to make them feel like they should be attending. Often, calling a student at home to say "You've been missing a lot of class" can drive them away, though I know sometimes they need to know we're paying attention. Finding a balance with this is a daily struggle.

I've often found it difficult to create a helpful atmosphere when I'm constantly having to to be a "sheriff." My attempts at being helpful can, I'm afraid, come across as hassling(calling students to remind them of due dates, inquiring as to missed classes, etc). Any tips for finding balance?

It's difficult to fully understand the stresses associated with urban students, who are involved in legal trouble, custody battles, and issues that I personally don't have experience with. What's the best way to guide these students?

I agree that retention starts at the admissions level. If you admit at-risk students in an attempt to increase enrollment(at the behest of the stockholders), retention rates will plummet.

Since I was born in 1980, I'd be considered a Gen X-er, though I feel I could easily fit into Gen Y. Are there sub groups of generations that don't have such a broad date range?

LOOKING AT GOING BACK TO SCHOOL, WITH NO PARTICULAR GOAL IN MIND, OTHER THAN A CHANGE. THERE ARE NO OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AT MY PRESENT JOB THAT CURRENTLY INTEREST ME, SO I'M LOOKING TO IMPROVE MY SKILLS TO BETTER PLACE MYSELF IN THE JOB MARKET. CAN A CAREER COUNSELOR HELP WITH THAT?