Loren Kroh

Discussion Comment

Great comments, James. You raise some interesting concerns about carpooling and babysitting. What responsibility does the school take if it merely facilitates a posting of interested parties? How much background checking is prudent? What about rights to privacy?

Loren Kroh

Discussion Comment

Improving Retention

Kathryn, thank you for focusing on next steps. This is a good list that should bring positive results. Good luck!

Loren Kroh

Discussion Comment

Intervention Strategies

That's certainly a creative way to get information in front of students - literally. Do you have to replace the notices very often? I would think that the notice would be a temptation for graffiti artists. Do you use this system for other messages?

Loren Kroh

Discussion Comment

Expectations and Satisfaction

Have you considered having the mentors being nominated by peers and faculty/staff? Also, some of the best leaders may not have the highest GPA.

Loren Kroh

Discussion Comment

School Commitment

Great example, Kathryn. I think many of us make the mistake of projecting our own value system onto others. For people who haven't been recognized for any type of success, simple rewards can be very meaningful as your example demonstrates. I would like to encourage other participants to post examples of recognition programs that have had a positive benefit. Has anyone had a bad experience?

Loren Kroh

Discussion Comment

Expectations and Satisfaction

Finding time to meet with all those students in a meaningful way must be a challenge that will only get bigger. I am familiar with a school that has created student groups to accomplish some of the transition related things you have identified. When a new student enrolls they are assigned to one of these groups and is a member until they graduate. The school has advisors to the group and also has activities that are group based - best quarterly attendance, best GPA, community service projects, etc. The students select their own leaders, who in turn work closely with… >>>

Loren Kroh

Discussion Comment

Expectations and Satisfaction

This sounds like a very strong mentor program, Kathryn. How long have you been doing it? What results have you seen? How are mentors selected? Is it a one-to-one relationship? If mentors stayed connected throughout the entire program, do they get new students as well? Presumably, each mentor also had a mentor. Does create a sense of 'family' as that group expands? Have you considered formalizing that phenomenon into an actual named group that graduates could relate to when they return?

Loren Kroh

Discussion Comment

Improving Retention

Sounds like you have a healthy budget for activities! What is the participation level for these events? Are family members invited? Do the students wear clothes that identify your school? This may be a good way to "tell" the community about your school and how you treat your students.

Loren Kroh

Discussion Comment

Intervention Strategies

These are good practices to keep the students engaged with their chosen careers. How often do you have field trips? What types of sites do you visit? Is there any expense for the students? Are the trips at the normally scheduled class meeting times? Do the students have to file a report afterward?

Loren Kroh

Discussion Comment

School Commitment

This certainly is an effective to show current students the path to success. How often do you try to have graduates speak with them? Is this part of a class or in a less formal setting? Do your admissions reps continue to connect with students after they enroll? If so, what is their role?