Jeffrey Schillinger

Thanks, John. This is a good post.

Kevin, What are some of the specific things that students do to demonstrate persistence and self-efficacy?

Thanks, Joseph. There is something magical about mentioning students' names to laud achievement, even in online classes. Recognizing students in the way you describe above is a simple, but effective way of providing the recognition we all need and want.

Thanks, Alvin. Time spent with students is well invested. My student services team used to make it a point to be in the break areas between classes. We also made sure someone was out near the doors to greet students at the start of a shift and to say thanks at the end of each shift.

Joseph, Truely successful colleges pay attention to both recruitment and retention. One of the best ways to positively impact both is to create an unmistakable atmosphere of caring that can be felt by current and prospective students as they enter the building. Things like contacting students when they miss class are important, but the quality of what happens in the classroom, (or the online classroom), is what really makes the biggest difference. A focus on hiring great faculty members and providing them with excellent training in teaching methodology is probably the most effective way to positively impact outcomes.

Joseph, This sounds like a great way to operate an online program. It is truely based on the "attention equals retention" philosophy. Thanks for sharing this.

Thank you, Karl. What are some of the specific things you do to help students develop the attitudes they need to be successful?

Isaac, The self-motivated students make our jobs much easier. The challenge is with the students who do not seem to have that same level of motivation. What are some things you do to reach out to those students to help inspire them to become self-motivated?

Thanks, Jerry. A lot of times, the students who need to talk to us do not take the initiative themselves. What do you and members of your team look for the identify students who need to talk but do not take the first step themselves?