I abolutely agree that retention is EVERYONE'S job!  As a Sr. Admission Rep I know that I have personally helped over 30 students in all my years of doing this job to help students to stay in school.  It's a matter of listening and trying to help the students to overcome obstacles, help them when they "hit the wall" when it seems that school is just too overwhelming, etc.  Sometimes students just need someone to listen to them so that they can vent and most of the time they will figure out the answer to their situtiation themselves.  When I help a student stay the course, that is so rewarding and fulfilling and let's me know that I'm absolutely doing this job for ALL the right reasons....FOR THE STUDENTS!  Changing their future, changing their life!

Retention IS the job of everyone working in the college environment.  Ed115 deals with improving our "softskills" (people skills)...and I think a valid point can be made that not only the way we present material to our students, but how we interact with them in general makes a HUGE difference in whether a student wants to remain part of that particular college family!!

I think that supporting the student should be everyone's job.  Retention is only a part of that.  I am an instructor/program director and I take personal stock in each and every one of my students.  I let them know from the beginning that I will make time for them if they need anything, and will help them do whatever it takes to succeed in college.  Many of them don't have a family/friends support system so they need that person encouraging them. I'm proud to be a part of their success and take GREAT pride watching them cross the stage at Graduation.

I also agree that retention is everyone's job; I am so happy that this course was mandatory for all instructors in our organization. Too bad it isn't required for all employees. This course was a great help on doing the difference. 

 

I marvel at the differences I encounter in students' responses to me.  Some recognize that I go the extra mile to help them, even when  (especially when) I stay after hours to make sure they get what they need.  Others are pretty sure I am the one who is blocking them from doing well in the class.  This course helped me see the possibilities that are mine when I put effort into my encounters with students. 

Good useful information. Using it to bypass problems and conflicts and get to the center of the learning experience.

This course helps an instructor to determine the difference between different sets of skills that we use everyday at the workplace.  Soft skills are important to teach to students as well as knowing the actual job they will be doing.  It is necessary for the students to be aware of using common sense and be deadline oriented which will help them be more successful at their workplace.

After taking ED115, it made me realize how important 'relating' is. Rentention of student or employees is about relating to them. What are their needs and understanding how to make them succeed. If there's a disconnect, retention will suffer and it can cost a lot of money to a student or an employee. I like that soft skills are becoming more important in the workplace, it used to be ignored, I think. 

 I think all continuing education is as we take what we need from it a leave the rest. As Program Director I am always looking out for the success of my students... a few l reasons not in a particular order tho becasue they are all important... with out successful students what is the point of my program?...If the student in my program do not succeed and become employed have we done a disservice? We need to gain knowledge and keep the information brought to the student current so the are well equipped. To me i base my success as and educator on the success if my students.