Institutional Connections | Origin: RT102
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Orientation and First Week Activities to Increase Retention --> Institutional Connections
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
I learned that having your staff and students can help the new students feel like part of the community of the school. Also can help with retention and help them feel more at ease knowing that students have also done the same thing. Orientation can very helpful tool in setting up students for success.
Progressive orientations improve outcomes. Inviting student participation helps reduce fears and answer questions about the program. To reduce buyer's remorse, it is in everyone's best interest for the orientation to show planning, interactivity, and credibility.
Orientation is important for setting the foundation on how we tend to guide our students.
Orientation is an important part of assimilating to a college environment and a well executed orientation can result in higher retention.
Establishing credibility is important for post-secondary education because it allows students to know they will be in good hands and that the education they are investing will be worth it.
I learned that building connections and credibility through out the departments will make students feel comfortable and less likely to have "buyers remorse".
It is good to have the students break into teams so that they can feel comfortable. This is also for those colleges offering online classes that can have break-out rooms for the students to be able to feel comfortable in asking more questions.
other departmental representatives should be present on the orientation day.
Spend time explaining the values, mission, and vision of the school to help students in making decisions.
Comment on Johnny Acero's post: I agree with you.
orientation and school tours is critical in helping students decide which school to attend. So make it worthwhile.
Validate the student's decision to select my institution, and share ideas with current students.
From this article, I learned that effective orientation programs should be interactive, engaging, and well-structured to make students feel welcomed and connected to the institution. Activities such as progressive departmental tours, team-based games, and resource stations create opportunities for interaction and camaraderie while reinforcing important information. Including current students or graduates adds credibility and relatability. Ending with Q&A ensure clarity and confidence. Lastly, balancing fun with professionalism is key to leaving a positive, credible impression!
I love the ideas to reinforce the students' decision to add our school... Love making orientation interactive for the student instead a passive one.
I've learned that thinking of orientation through the viewpoint of the student will help the success of orientation and make the students feel more excited to start their program.
Fun but not corny- remebering that although you want a interactive orientation it is a serious matter for the retaining of info
to use all the resources available in the school, and use those resources to help students to understand that they made the right decision to enrolled in the school
Make orientation interactive and engaging with fun activities. Have students exchange contact info.
Gives good ideas about how to make orientation more fun and engaging, and not just a lecture.
