Smriti Sharma

I learned that a strong retention program depends on an institution-wide commitment to student success, rather than relying on one universal strategy. I will apply this by supporting collaboration among students, faculty, and staff, promoting activities that build school commitment, and using retention practices that fit students’ specific needs while following applicable policies and regulations.
 
 

I learned that effective intervention requires building trust, listening carefully, and using the right questions to understand the real issue rather than only the student’s immediate concern. I will apply this by greeting and connecting with students, using survey questions to understand the situation and vertical probing to explore deeper concerns, then helping them consider realistic options and appropriate support resources.
 
 

I learned that attrition is often connected to stress, a declining sense of belonging, and uncertainty about academic progress or future goals. I will apply this by paying attention to early signs such as withdrawal, low motivation, or frustration, then reaching out promptly with encouragement, clear guidance, and appropriate support resources.
 
 

I learned that improving retention starts with setting realistic student expectations and identifying early signs of disengagement, such as loneliness, lack of program fit, or academic boredom. I plan to apply this by checking in with students early, listening to their concerns, and connecting them with timely academic and support resources before small challenges become reasons to leave.
 
 

I learned that ongoing management of online faculty requires regular monitoring, mentoring, evaluation, and professional development. Instructor mentors and evaluators can help monitor classroom activity, provide timely feedback, and identify opportunities to improve instructional quality before concerns become larger problems.

I learned that evaluating online faculty performance should not rely only on traditional quantitative indicators, because many are negative and lagging—they identify a problem only after it has affected students or course outcomes. I will use both quantitative information, such as participation, assignment activity, and course engagement, and qualitative information, such as the quality of instructor feedback, communication, course facilitation, and student comments.

I learned that onboarding online faculty should be comprehensive but delivered in phases so new instructors are not overwhelmed. I will apply this by providing essential information first—such as institutional expectations, compliance requirements, key policies, and required teaching procedures—and then introducing more detailed resources and professional-development support over time.

I learned that selecting online postsecondary faculty requires using recruitment sources that reach qualified professionals, including professional organizations, faculty-focused job boards, and industry contacts such as advisory-board members. I will apply this by recruiting broadly while verifying that each candidate meets applicable employment-law, institutional, state, and accreditation requirements.

I learned that a job offer should clearly communicate the instructor’s pay, benefits, job expectations, and work environment. Making the offer in person can be especially helpful because it gives the candidate an opportunity to ask questions and better understand the position before accepting.

I also learned that providing a realistic job preview is important because it explains both the benefits and challenges of the faculty role and work environment. This can help applicants make informed decisions and support better long-term hiring outcomes.