Building Your Retention Program | Origin: RT101
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Improving Retention through Timely Intervention --> Building Your Retention Program
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
Giving the students a way to connect with each other online will create a sense of community.
the most important component of a successful retention program is institutional resolve to develop and maintain a culture that supports students success
It is important that schools has accessible resources for our students not only in person, but other viable outlets, like the online tool mentioned "GradMax". We have so many young students that sometimes don't see what they need to be successful.
By working with the campus to maintain retention in every department our campus will feel safe and inviting to the students on a daily basis.
Majority of schools have multiple student services available. The biggest thing is do the students know that these services exist for them? One of our responsibilities is informing our students and having this information accessible. We also need to make the students feel like asking for help when needed is not a bad thing. We are not designed to go through struggles on our own because nothing good will come of it.
Although there are a lot of things available to students, these tools will not help support their success in their education if they are not used. A big thing is to not only show the students these resources provided once, but to make sure that they are shown repeatedly for when assignments are given. This helps their chances of success on assignments.
Having a way to check in with students is key.
Although this is designed primarily for on-campus learners, many strategies can also benefit online students. For example, ensuring they stay connected through chat rooms and online tools helps keep them engaged. Additionally, using a learning management system with videos and interactive features can greatly enhance student participation and motivation.
Building retention program should begin with assessment of what are the most common pressing issues that impact student's academic performance. Targeted interventions should be based from those assessed needs.
I thought it was interesting to learn that while there are many tools to help with student success, if they aren't used properly, they will not be impactful and can have the opposite effect. Also, the importance of consistent and valuable experiences within the classroom is an integral part of student retention.
Any persistence improvement plan must have the commitment of all key managers and be reflected in their performance review standards (evaluating the implementation and maintenance of the programs, not the achievement of a specific number of students or percentage retention). the culture of your institution must be based on its commitment to student success. Aligning the expectations set during the admissions process with the product that is delivered at the school is an important part of avoiding student frustration later on. Orientation provides an opportunity for students to meet staff and faculty, and set the tone for their experience with your school. It is important to make a positive first impression; to demonstrate that you are committed to the student's success. Keeping the dream alive is an important component of student persistence. the student is provided with an outline of the progress they will make toward their career objective. Each student should clearly understand how the competencies taught in each course relate to the career objective.
I appreciated the resources available to the school and the point that retention is everyone's job.
"The institution cannot, and should not, assume responsibility for solving the student's problem. The institution cannot be all things to all people and cannot solve all the problems that students present. The student must develop confidence in their ability to confront and control the issues that impact their lives." This was my takeaway from this section. I liked how I have heard from many colleagues that they have felt more responsible for the student success than the student did. So I do think this is an important thing for many new hires to understand.
Recognizing signs of Academic Erosion and Stagnation early is essential to intervening before students disengage.
In listening to this segment, tools for success regarding retention has to be the pivotal point of how we brand our institutions. As professionals, we cannot allow ourselves to let retention challenges keep our students from seeking their educational goals. For example, it begins with admissions. An effective admissions department controls retention. Admissions counselors are consultants for perspectives students who want a career. This includes qualifying them to seek if s/he will be a fit for your brand. Admissions and success coaches are twins and must be in sync with each other with prospect students.
I would like to my institution to place admission and student success coaches within the same arena. That would be peanut butter and jelly! LOL!!!
there are a variety of tools and offices that should be at all students disposal if in fact retention is what your campus cares about- from advising, mentoring, tutoring, community partnerships, communication systems etc
I never thought about this: " It may be useful to check in with students shortly after they enroll to find out if classes meet their expectations and to find out what issues they may be facing".
Schools should have several avenues of communication open to students such as orientations, meetings, advising, newsletters, school groups and organizations such as a functioning student government association to give students continual updates on important school events and deadlines.
Building a retention program requires an engagement strategy that keeps students involved and connected with the university. Engaging students through alumni clubs, organizations, internships, peer mentorship, and academic advising not only fosters a sense of belonging but also motivates them to persist toward graduation.
