Retention Starts in Admissions | Origin: RT103
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Implementing Successful Student Retention Strategies --> Retention Starts in Admissions
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
Comment on Danielle Trueba's post:
I also find that the admissions reps do not always understand the requirements for certification or licensing in ALL the programs they interview for, leaving students to begin with misconceptions.
Schools should have an aptitude test/ interest checklist to help define the appropriate trade(s) for students to select. I have had students come through who will clearly never make it in my trade. The most important thing is a level of required basic knowledge. I teach a math component and I have students who cannot do basic math, never mind the Algebra required as a minimum. Also being able to tell colors apart ( I teach electrical) is vital.
I also have students who come in with know it all attitudes, treating the classes like they are a joke. The attendance is poor, the entitlement attitude is simply out of control and they get upset when I fail them on a component. I absolutely will NOT pass someone who has attended less than 50 percent of my course, came in the last week and expected to copy all answers from friends for full credit and plagiarize.
This has happened multiple times and I really am losing faith in my organization where it seems to be accepted practice. It is mentioned by many students that we will pass them no matter what and they don't need to try.
I am beyond frustrated. The quality of the school is reflected by the quality of our grads and that starts with quality enrollees and quality teachers with integrity.
Sadly, sometimes that is not even enough when it is stressed to push students through just for numbers.
A student decides as early as their admissions interview whether or not their commitment to staying in school will be kept.
Admissions team is the first point of contact and it base for the whole process.
Student retention begins at the admissions process. From first contact, it is important to identify ways to keep the student engaged and figuring out the best way is important because it won't be the same for each person.
I understand that taking time to meet the applicants and having multiple interactions with the prospective student allows them more time to ask any questions and ensure they are ready for this step. This helps retain the student vs. rushing them through the process.
The admissions recruiters should have a very good understanding of the courses the students are interested in. They should also have a good understanding of what challenges the students may experience but not introducing these challenges in a way that the students will have a negative outlook on. The admissions team could also lean heavily on other employees such as instructors that they run into when walking the students through tours and asking the instructors to help explain the course they teach and what to they can expect to learn.
I have learned that there are at least six retention strategies: efficient admissions procedures, great orientation programs, effective mentoring, student friendly classroom involvement, fabulous graduations, and successful placement.
A variety of experiences can help the student make a decision- thus helping the student be successful.
A student's success begins with the admissions process.
I learned how vital it is to inform the student about aspects of the program through a variety of activities
Ensuring the orientation process works best for the students is high priority as this can make or break their experience with our institution. The better we cater our orientation to meet our students needs we can then make it more successful for them.
The proper onboarding/admissions orientation process can truly set students up for success or unfortunately-not so successful experiences within the organization. When admissions sets the proper tone, and ensures that students are aligned with programs that suit their skill sets-the students expectations and experiences are congruent.
Retention process starts during admission. It is very important to have a well-designed admission process without forcing or pushing the student to enroll. Most likely, students already decide from the moment they are admitted if they would like to continue until the end or not.
I realized the importance of knowing the student since the beginning. This will certainly improve our retention ratio.
Survey's can be a helpful tool to know if the student knows about the field or if they need more information. Seeing how many time they took interest in your school can help determine if they know what it can take to help stay in school.
Using surveys and self-checks are great tools to garner interest and spark curiosity. Students should feel that they can achieve their goals as they are applying and registering to start college.
I am learning about all of this for the first time, I think it is interesting that the earlier involvement a prospective student has in the school can define the actual involvement a student has in their classes. It also makes me wonder about the students who don't put the effort in and what was the disconnect for them. Maybe this will be explained later in this module.
The valuable information received regarding an existing commonality with students in a program is very helpful as an instructor. By understanding the commonality of the students in a program, will determine the learning activities planned in the classroom for better engagement.
