I learned that institutions should be very aware of their internal customer service. They should reward employees for good customer service and provide incentives for team members who meet and exceed the expectations.

I learned that the customer should be at the heart of everything you do in a business/school. Focusing on what the customer/student needs and providing them with the best experience you can will lead to success and growth in the future.

I learned that you can create value for students by personalizing their experience to be relevant to them. You can do this by finding out their personal needs and preferences and respecting and focusing on those things.

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. 

Having knowledge about the job market for what a student is going into will help give motivation to finishing the program. 

Engagement in activities can be imperative to student retention.

Mentoring can be extremely important for retention.

Student retention begins at the admissions process. From first contact, it is important to identify ways to keep the student engaged and figuring out the best way is important because it won't be the same for each person. 

From this module, I learned that the first week of class is one of the most critical times for student retention. Small details like being visible, welcoming, and organized can strongly influence whether students feel confident in their decision to stay. Building early bonds, reinforcing expectations, and watching for signs of disengagement all help prevent dropouts before they start.

I plan to apply this by continuing to create a positive first-week experience for my TRDS100 students by personally greeting them, checking in early on attendance and progress, and building connections that make them feel supported and valued from day one.

From this module, I learned how critical faculty involvement is in the student retention process. Orientation isn’t just about policies, it’s about building relationships, setting clear expectations, and showing students that their instructors are approachable and invested in their success. When students connect with faculty early and understand classroom expectations, they start with more confidence and commitment.

I plan to apply this by continuing to build trust and connection with my TRDS100 students early on—sharing a bit about my background, setting clear standards, and showing them I’m here to help them succeed both in class and in their future careers.