After reading through the second lesson, comments about non-classroom personnel playing a role in retention struck me. I believe that the whole experience of attending school should be positive. If there are negative experiences with non-classroom personnel students may become unhappy with the institution as a whole regardless of the education they are receiving. Having poor customer service in a sense could negatively affect a person's experience.

retention in in everyone ones hands from start to finish.

Perhaps I may be a little on the hardcore conservative side of education, but it seems to me that a large part of this is sales and has very little to do with academics. I understand that we cannot educate an absent student; however, are we not necessarily acting in the best interest of students' or the institution by having blind faith in retention as greater good. I agree with this module in it's connotation (as it does not come out and say it) that retention is best served by providing a quality, valuable, and rigorous education. While we should try to retain as many students as is possible, we should understand that retention is just one side of the dice. As for taking a class picture, I find this to be an insulting and sophomoric attempt at armchair pychology.

I personally do not believe in using a standard syllabus and filling in blanks. I feel as though each instructor should be given a general template and be allowed to fill in information based on their personal expectations of the student in regard to polices from the institution. It is more difficult for instructors to follow a standard syllabus and in turn it may seem to the students that they care less about the class because they are simply following standard procedure.

Teamwork is the key to success in any business, whether its a mom/popa two man shop or a Fortune 500 Organization. Without teamwork, there's a dysfuntion within, and will affect the whole institution.

This topic also referrs back to the 'First Impression Zone. Make it a habit to always smile, and speak to a student when passing, even if they do not speak back. students will always remember you and speak whenever the opportunity arrises.

I was shocked to see that it takes 11 people to undo the damage of one negative person. Wow, I feel tired already. Determining if a person truly is mission-driven is a critical part of a successful school. If faculty and staff don't believe that the students can succeed--how are the students expected to believe it?

Yes, I can still taste lemons after reading the visualization exercise! I love this strategy and see the need to incorporate it more in the classroom. This is a great starting point.

I think all staff and faculty members in a college need to "Walk a Mile" in the shoes of a co-worker to truly appreciate what they do. We recently completed just that at our campus, and I think everyone gained a new respect for others. Morale is critical in a school--because our customers (students) sense a positive or negative atmosphere, we have the potential to keep them with our attitudes--or watch them slip away because we haven't created the right environment.

Students/educators should be held accountable for following through with their choice of delivery techniques. Students look to the educator to help mold them with skilled learning techniques so that they can be successful in their choice of career. If we fail as educators, what chances do our students have.

I agree with the fact that students are the customers in a learning environment. It our reponsibility as educators to ensure that our customers receive the best quality educationional training we/educators can offer. Therefore, our customers/students will know that we care about their success.

I have found that a positive influence is something that others take note of. They think it's odd that an individual never speaks negatively and in fact, finds something positive in every situation. I often tell my students to operate on the "Thumper" rule. Thumper's mother (the bunny in the movie Bambi) always says, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all!" She was very wise!

I love the ideas that were presented where you are free to think outside the box. I appreciate music and have used it in the classroom to calm students down before taking an exam. I also love telling good stories with a purpose. It's a great way to get students to remember important concepts. I think these things make a teacher "real" to students and hopefully they will feel comfortable approaching the instructor with issues that may come up. These things are a great way to "connect" with students.

My office is a safe place for students who are discouraged, frustrated or upset to come for a "time out". They know it's a place where they will not be judged and where they can vent their frustrations and/or fears. They will find a listening ear and suggestions/advice upon request. It's also a place to share good news and happy times! The most important thing is that whatever discussion takes place will be kept in confidence and will not be "spread" around. Honestly, some colleagues find it beneficial and use my safe place as well!

I find this to be a wonderful start to a retention module. Like many others in education, I am responsible for many organizational tasks and sometimes find myself glued to my office chair. I love the idea of connecting with 5 students at least once per week to create a bond. This is a good way to get me away from my desk--and can also keep the true purpose of my job in perspective...the students!!!

The part of my job I take the most seriously is treating students with care and immediate respect, and many times this works well in developing a good relationships. The negative side to that (for me)is setting boundaries. I want students to feel welcome and sincerely cared for, but sometimes that leads to me being walked over - or to students not respecting me. Do you have any tips on maintaining boundaries/discipline while still showing kindness and acceptance to students? I know this is an integral part of the 3 Ms, and I'd really like to develop those skills. Thank you.

Students want to be safe and comfortable in their learning environment and they want a sense of belonging. Often times as instructors we miss some small non-verbal ques from the students that they feel as though they don't belong.When this happens we need to realize this and make adjustments

I have found that many times the very things our faculty and staff want to hold our students accountable for, they arent doing themselves. I have often told my Department Chairs that they are the faces of their particular program and that the students they teach will take on the personality of their leader. It is the paying attention to detail that allows us to find the needle in the hay stack.

I think the first key element to a successful retention program is to first figure out who on your faculty and staff are supportive in your quest to improve your current situation.

I have found that probably the biggest mistake we make as educators is we tend to have an "I want to fix it" attitude and alot of times the students simply just want someone to vent to.