I liked the idea of the first week or two being the most critical in reinforcing a student's decision to attend (and keep attending) and they don't feel truly comfortable in school, until after the first week. I didn't think about their family and friends asking them when they come home how it went, and if the day's activities hadn't been positive, it will begin to plant seeds of doubt.

I love the practical idea of having some sort of event the first week or two with FOOD, and having Admissions assist, as this as a time for them to… >>>

I am realizing just how important orientation is to the retention of our students. It is much more than just an information session; it's just as much about the students beginning to bond with one another and start to feel as a cohesive group who support one another!

I also learned the importance of connecting faculty to other faculty members within their discipline. Invariably, instructors may be subbing each other's classes, or students will need to make up missed hours, due to life issues. If possible, have more than one faculty member within that department at orientation, so students will… >>>

I really like the idea of having current students speak at our orientation, provide school tours, and act as 'mentors' for new students.

I also like learning about confronting "Buyers Remorse" by sharing information concerning students' goals and barriers, from admissions to continually build the value of completing our program and reassuring students they will be better off if they attend our school, than if they don't. 

Lastly I really enjoyed learning about valuable it is to make all students feel like they already belong after attending orientation, so when they leave, they will feel like they are already a… >>>

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… >>>

The first week of class, including orientation, is such a pivotal time in a new student's journey to complete a program. During orientation we can create a bond with them and become a resource to help them decide not to give up. If they feel comfortable, informed, welcomed and confident in the school they will not give up. We must create a fun, yet serious or professional atmosphere they can thrive in. I plan on implementing more staff involvement in the orientation, and I plan on working toward a more interactive orientation. 

It is important for faculty to be involved with the orientation process. Admissions to be a friendly face, instructors to give info on what their process will be like and other faculty to begin creating relationship with the students so they feel more at home, and more likely to ask for help later if they have issues.

I learned how important it is to make orientation fun and interactive. Also helping to bridge student relationships so they can start off with community. This will help students feel more secure and minimize buyers remorse leading to better retention.

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.

Active listening will aid in providing better customer service. Equipping the necessary skills within the team will also improve the quality of customer service. 

Priority customer service is of the utmost importance. This affects all aspects and bleeds into one another at the University level.