Faculty Involvement | Origin: RT102
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Orientation and First Week Activities to Increase Retention --> Faculty Involvement
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
The more we can form relationships with the students, the better our retention will be.
I am realizing just how important orientation is to the retention of our students. It is much more than just an information session; it's just as much about the students beginning to bond with one another and start to feel as a cohesive group who support one another!
I also learned the importance of connecting faculty to other faculty members within their discipline. Invariably, instructors may be subbing each other's classes, or students will need to make up missed hours, due to life issues. If possible, have more than one faculty member within that department at orientation, so students will become acquainted with other instructors with whom they may come in contact during their time at our school.
Reiterate to students during orientation, the rules, policies and classroom expectations we have are distinctly tied to potential employer expectations and how their experience at our school will best prepare them for employment. This is, after all, the primary reason why students are enrolling at your college.
Lastly, I love the idea of taking a class picture at either orientation or on the 1st day of class to start the process of bringing the students together and building the bond between them.
It is important for faculty to be involved with the orientation process. Admissions to be a friendly face, instructors to give info on what their process will be like and other faculty to begin creating relationship with the students so they feel more at home, and more likely to ask for help later if they have issues.
From this module, I learned how critical faculty involvement is in the student retention process. Orientation isn’t just about policies, it’s about building relationships, setting clear expectations, and showing students that their instructors are approachable and invested in their success. When students connect with faculty early and understand classroom expectations, they start with more confidence and commitment.
I plan to apply this by continuing to build trust and connection with my TRDS100 students early on—sharing a bit about my background, setting clear standards, and showing them I’m here to help them succeed both in class and in their future careers.
Faculty in orientation play a key role in introducing academic standards, guiding students through expectations, and fostering a sense of responsibility from the very beginning.
We currently utilize two different orientations; 1st is school orientation (introducing many staff members and covering pertinent information) 2nd is Academic Orientation, where student receive instruction regarding attendance, attire, assignments in their program, who is here to academically support them, and other areas of information as well. Then they are introduce to their instructor and the instructor sets up a one on one meeting the next day so each can get to know one another.
Orientation should have faculty members there to introduce. Information packets are useful.
Students form educational relationships with professors and it's important to be a mentor.
The idea of having a few instructors presenting their work experience and their knowledge in the specific career the students chose to study will help our students feel secure that their instructors are qualified to teach them, and also the students will realize that there is success in the field that they chose to study. The instructors will also be able to answer questions about the job outlook and give inspiration to the new students.
The underlying message that we project to the students needs to be I'm here to help you succeed. This is the key role we play in our institution and the sole purpose of my role. This is what drives me to be in this position with my institution.
Students are looking for faculty to be involved at the orientation. This helps play a major role in helping them to see what other teachers are like and gives them a sense of belonging. There was many ways to provide information so that the students can succeed in their time at the school.
Students are looking for faculty involvement in orientation. By introducing themselves and setting expectations for the course, faculty can ease the student's fears and impress with their credibility.
It is great to be involved in the orientation process, to ensure unity among the team and display we are here to help students succeed.
Involving all stakeholders is important to build trust and repertoire with students. This will make them feel safe and that the college cares about them and their experience.
I learned that connecting and showing students you're a real person will help students feel comfortable. As well as that the they have real life experience with what they're teaching and are hands on.
I thought it was very interesting that a suggestion was made to take a picture of the students in the classroom and post it for all to see. This could be a motivational factor as the student's progresses in the program.
Comment on Jose Zepeda's post: I agree with you. Classmates tend to rely on each other for learning. Providing educational and moral support to each other helps with retention.
Orientation also helps students connect with each other and share what drives them into the profession. Sometimes, this connection progresses to real friendship as they start the program.
Faculty should be present during orientation. This will give the students a feeling of welcome as they are introduced to the faculty.
Faculty involvement and explaining policies are vital in retention. Ideally, this should start from orientation.
