Students' Expectations | Origin: RT102
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Orientation and First Week Activities to Increase Retention --> Students' Expectations
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
This module really highlighted how much a student perception shapes their overall experience. If policies or services feel inconvenient or unsupported, students may assume the institution doesn't care, even if that's not the reality. I also learned that "cost" includes more than tuition; it's time, energy, and missed opportunities. Moving forward, I plan to apply this by staying engaged, building connections, and viewing experiences through the student perspective to ensure the value outweighs the cost.
There is an expectation that you will hand them a job if there is the mention of specifically "job placement".
It's important when discussing the assistance students will receive when seeking employment opportunities to not say we help with job placement; however, refer to our services as job search assistance. Students perceive "job placement" as a guarantee we will find them a job after graduating without any work on their part. I also enjoyed the information pertaining to having students speak at orientation, provide school tours, and act as 'mentors' for new students. Lastly, I learned how important adding value to the educational experience takes planning and should become part of our culture. ‘Adding value' may include continuing personal interactions after they begin classes; engaging and ‘practical' classroom sessions; quality service (exceed expectations); proactive initiatives. My school is great at these; however, there is always room to do more, seeing how important to retention this is.
Being a college is so much more than offering classes and finding students. It's important to be very intentional with everything from the hiring of teachers to scheduling administration to be available for every class. During the first few weeks of a student's college experience, it is imperative to offer many forms of support to new students. Helping create community and support and instructing them on how to access the resources available to them is important for retention farther down the road.
From reading this module I learned how important current students can be in helping with retention. We have often included current students in orientation and will continue to do so. We also have a Big/Little program which adds mentorship.
From this module, I learned that student retention starts with strong communication and connection. I’ll apply this by continuing to send clear weekly reminders, encouragement texts, and personal check-ins with my TRDS100 students. Building trust early and showing consistent support helps them stay motivated and succeed through the course.
To increase student retention in the first week, focus on making a strong first impression, building a sense of community, and clearly communicating expectations and support. Instructors should send welcome emails, create a welcoming classroom environment, facilitate student introductions, and explain the course's purpose and how it connects to their goals.
In learning about student expectations, students enroll in college for a variety of reasons, including personal growth and external situations causing a need for financial stability. Many students enter with high expectations for academic success, supportive instructors, and a vibrant campus life. They often think about how they fit in with their classmates comparing abilities, interests, and social connections which can influence their confidence and engagement. We notice that common fears include failing courses, managing time, and balancing responsibilities outside of school. A student’s decision to persist or withdraw is shaped by their sense of belonging, academic performance, financial pressures, and the support they receive from peers and faculty.
It is really important to understand each students individuals needs to help each student to be successful. Furthermore it is equally important that all staff members are on the same page to assist our students on what their needs are.
It is important to meet the students' expectations. Students will want to see that things are being followed through based on marketing towards them; such s being available, providing good teaching and a classroom experience and also meeting the expectations for in-school and career-based objectives.
It's important to share real-life examples of alumni success in our orientation so that new students can feel connected, encouraged, and inspired to continue with the program.
Transparency and being accessible are keys to retention.
The idea of extending peer mentor connection after the orientation and continuing it throughout a the student's first semester or first year being effective sounds like a good idea.
This helped me see in the eyes of students. This will help me in many ways to make sure our students are being heard and make them top priority for our school. Continuing to make sure that they have the plan to succeed not only in our industry but in our school.
The value equation lays out the factors that ensure retention. Students consider more than the financial cost of their education. Customer service, credibility, and the student experience all factor into their decision to stay enrolled.
What I've learned so far is concepts not only to help students but also even in a work environment. Just being supportive and providing clear efficient information. I find that clarity helps with retention.
Students want to feel they have made a good investment by seeing the professionalism of instructors, the availability of staff and administration and the quality of their peers.
College has become a business and if you do not offer the best services then you lose customers (students). It is unfortunate that post-secondary education had become to be this way.
I have learned that being transparent and showing that we are always here to help will help with student retention.
