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.
Importance of staying current on both Florida regulations and our own institutional policies. Making sure students get clear, accurate information. Keeping materials organized and up to date to make it easier to support students and answer their questions confidently.
I believe that understanding and utilizing student services can significantly reduce student stress, ultimately making their experience more rewarding. Colleges offer a wide range of resources to support students, and it’s most effective to introduce these services proactively, before a student considers withdrawing. Instructors, who have the most frequent contact with students, are in an ideal position to identify when a student is facing difficulties. By intervening with care and compassion, we can offer the support students need, helping to ensure that their journey through the program is not only successful but also fulfilling and enriching.
Offering a variety of resources and outlets for students to engage in and use is vital to student retention. Now more than ever, students need more to thrive and do well.
Several factors impact students retention and decision to stay in school. It is important that the school provides a culture of understanding of the needs of the students on and off campus, such as carpooling, bus passes counseling etc...It takes a village to create an environment of success.
Understanding student services can assist a student relieve their stress. Colleges offer a verity of services to students and it is best to offer these services before a student decides to drop out of school. Instructors are with the students most and with a caring heart may intervene if a student is having difficulties.
Comment on Susan Wright's post: Any improvement plan must have the commitment of the key managers and staff members
A lot of resources and ideas were presented on this module. First to tackle for us will be developing a system to connect students with each other for carpooling.
How important it is to keep all staff motivated and focused. I think it is essential to start from the point where everyone knows their relevance on the path towards the goal, the success of the students, and to remain consistent on that path. At my university, we have implemented peer mentoring, but we still need strategies to motivate more mentors to participate. Are you implementing any?
I learned that ensuring the student knows who to contact for whatever issue or need they have along with ensuring they know the resources available to them to contribute to their success and ours as an institution.
Student retnetion is a team effort and we need to know our guidlines and how we can assist students when they encounter problems that require our aid. This in turn helps with retention.
Daycare for children of students seems to be an ongoing issue. It is important to know all issues our students are experiencing.
Involving the students in school functions and activities can create a sense of belonging and positivity.
