I think one of the greatest challenges that our students face today is strictly financial. Many of them have not had any guidance or training on creating and maintaining a budget. Having a financial seminar during orientation I feel would be very effective in student retention. Many of the drops that have been occurring over the past year or so have been due to financial hardships. They have financial aid, but are having trouble paying utilities at their apartments, public transportation costs, and even for meals. With the economy the way it is, hours at their work places are being cut, which means less income from a job that is only part time to begin with. Helping them budget their money through a workshop that is given at orientation and then monitored through our instructor mentor system would help keep them on track financially.
Great comment. Many student success books have a chapter on how to budget and manage money. The key is to remind them of the importance of learning to earn more money. Remind students of why the entered school in the first place. Moreover, talk to them about the return on educational investment. Sometimes they forgot that education will enhance their earning potential.
Dr. B
We've talked about improving orientation by incorporating instructors and current students into the orientation program. We only have orientation on one day, so the idea of an ongoing orientation is interesting. It may be difficult to implement due to the way we schedule classes and the students' other commitments, like work and family.
Juliette, new students love to hear from current students and graduates. Also, new students tend to "believe" instructors ... It is not that admissions is not liked... it is that students want to hear from subject matter experts. Rentention will improve... why? A relationship equals trust.
Dr. Banks
Yes. Many schools implement academic advisement... a form of continuing the orientaion. Consider advising centered on career themes.
Dr. Banks
Too often orientation turns into: go here, do this, don't do that, don't go there, be nice to you room mate, study etc. Ad nauseam.
Its not and orientation its a "laundry List" of do's and don'ts
So typically business, there has to be an MBA somewhere behind this? yup there he/she is.
So in spite of the MBA'ssss, we actually do our own orientation.
We prefer excitement.
So we have developed a brief video, incorporating a little history, a a few professionals sharing insights, with messages and we on occasion can bring in a local professional to and describe their professional lives and work, in some detail. students seem to like this!
Good catch. Too many orientations are administrative in nature. The key is to keep the vision alive. Get them excited... let them visualize and become fascinated with what they are about to learn. The video sounds interesting... So, how can you keep it alive? Remember, they are in school to learn the skills needed to get "the" job. Center the orientation on career themes. Does this make sense?
Hi Juliette,
Just checking on you. Have you given any more thought about how you can improve orientation?
Dr. B
An orientation program that allows students to see all the resources the school has to offer would help students know where to go if they have problems. Also having the staff know where to send students when they have questions. Programs that also offer ice breakers and smaller groups for students to feel comfortable in is important.
We start orientation of the student from the very beginning, even before they set foot on the campus.
It continues during there first visit, and becomes more involved as they get closer to starting.
Our support for students is getting better all the time, but could still be improved.
Good for you. Building a relationship early helps to establish trust. And, trust equates to retention. Do you try to link all departments early in the process?
Dr. B
I believe that an orientation program that focuses around developing core skills will allow students to succeed. For example, students will need to know how to access the many resources available to them such as tutoring services, the library, and writing center. The orientation could also help them to find a mentor so that they have someone that can respond to their questions. Lastly, the orientation program can get them in the mindset to take their education into their hands. I think that students who feel empowered to learn will be the most likely to complete the degree program.
Yes, I agree... students need to know how to navigate the school. Another key purpose of student orientation is to keep the student's vision alive. Remember, why did he or she enroll? It is important to link careers with the school. In other words, answer the question... show new students how your school will help them to acheive their career goals.
Dr. Banks
I would love for our school to implement some of the great ideas and points given on this module. Orientation should not only be about buying books and getting your photo ID.
My program is a part time graduate program. Orientation would take place the first night's class. I see the importance of having this first class session as "kick - off" or ceremony type meeting where the heads of the program and other higher level employees attend. This gives the student a feeling of belonging and cared for by the institution.
here at school we have a program where the different departments come into the auditorim explain their duties and prcedures makes sure every one knows who to contact and for what.We escort the students through the different departments. There is a time schedule and a question and answer period. On first day of all of our classes there is an SOP session where the instructor informs the students of the schedule how he grades what is expected in labs. he uses this time also to set up lab groups and introduce the students to one another and introduce himself.
I think one thing that can help our program just letting the student know we are always there keep an open door policy and just say Hi
I feel we have a comoprehensive orienation program. We cover many a wide variety of topics; such as the importance of attending each class, being responsible, help is avaialable, the support they will receive, to enjoy the experience, how do you get books, contact information, introduction of all the Department Directors, question and answer. At the end of the orientation, the new students are given a second tour of the campus by their Program Director - this way, the PD meets some of their new students and begins the relationship building at this time.
I love the idea of having graduates come in and speak at orientation. We currently have our Student Ambassadors involved, but I think having a graduate would be an added bonus. Great idea!
We have a fairly comprehensive orientation program currently, but I think there are ways to improve upon what we are doing. One area is to possibly add on a mini orientation on day one because with only one main orientation students feel overwhelmed with all the information they are getting. Also, I want us to incorporate more faculty to connect with the students, maybe have them lead 15 minute group discussion where students rotate through, yet another opportunity is to involve graduates so they can share their experience with new students.
