Loren Kroh

Discussion Comment

Sounds like a very effective email system. Does the email become part of the student's record? Who is responsible for following up on issues that are addressed in the email?

Loren Kroh

Discussion Comment

Expectations and Satisfaction

That's quite a commitment! How long are the sessions? What do they cover in these meetings? Has your school seen improved retention since implementing this practice?

Loren Kroh

Discussion Comment

Expectations and Satisfaction

What does this mean, Carl? How does it impact your job?

Loren Kroh

Discussion Comment

Intervention Strategies

What's involved with a Quarterly Academic Review? Who's involved? Are results documented and follow up measured?

Loren Kroh

Discussion Comment

School Commitment

Who makes these calls? How often do the students respond to the "anything we can do" question? Are the callers willing/able to handle this response?

Loren Kroh

Discussion Comment

Intervention Strategies

Great to hear that your institution has such a position, Kevin! What's the background of this person? What experience did you look for when developing the job description? How well respected is this ombudsman?

Loren Kroh

Discussion Comment

Expectations and Satisfaction

Has this personal attention led to improved retention? Do your students recognize the special service they are receiving? If so, would they be willing to help in the recruitment process?

Loren Kroh

Discussion Comment

Expectations and Satisfaction

A mid-term survey is one way to provide the instructor with feedback about how they are connecting with the class. Hopefully, they receive information early enough that corrections can be made, if appropriate. Do you use advisors at your school? If you do, scheduling mid-term meetings may be one way of doing a temperature check on each student and uncovering issues that are building.

Loren Kroh

Discussion Comment

Expectations and Satisfaction

Tough question. Unfortunately, not being connected to others within the system is one of the traits frequently found among students who withdraw. Some peer mentor programs have been successful in connecting with students before they encounter problems that may threaten their enrollment. Using partners in labs or teams in classroom assignments may also serve to form connections and a support system.

Loren Kroh

Discussion Comment

Intervention Strategies

Approaching identification from different perspectives is a good idea. Which methods have proven most effective for you and your school?