Orientation and Mentoring Affects Retention | Origin: RT103
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Implementing Successful Student Retention Strategies --> Orientation and Mentoring Affects Retention
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
Linda Williams
I've learned that Orientation and Mentoring can and does affect Retention. That Orientation should be a relaxed environment that students can feel at ease to ask questions, interact with one another and receive information about the programs and all entails. It should not be overwhelming with just abundance of information. Scheduling events, fun activities, offering free giveaways' that can be offered perhaps more than once. Inviting students who have already graduated to attend the Orientation have them maybe each do an introduction of themselves and a quick personal summary of what it was like being a student, adding humor and authenticity. They can then mingle among the new students so that they can organically bond with them,by answering any questions they may have. Orientation can also be valuable in helping students understand that becoming a student is going to impact their day to day lives in ways they may not have thought about. Adult students often have jobs/careers that nay need to be adjusted to include the course schedule. People with children and other obligations have to consider new schedules to make everything work. Being aware of the amount of time they will have to spend studying, and where they will study are all apart ( as well as other things) of becoming a student. Informing enrollees of a program, all the things involved in becoming a successful student not only eliminates the stressful "I had no idea this is what it involves" surprise element allows them to prepare themselves and their lives to the life of a student. When a student feels prepared, they are better able to enroll, stay and graduate, which can have a positive impact of retention. Mentoring students is a great way to offer students support; someone to voice their concerns questions. Mentors may concern should be helping the student any way they can so they can successfully learn, pass and graduate. Mentors can offer various ways to do this, and should have communication with the instructors, faculty, Administration, Directors so that students have as many benefits as possible and tools need to be a success.
Mentoring offers a more personal experience for a student with ta tailored fit of personalities and experience.
Mentoring can be extremely important for retention.
would like to build a mentor program to include community clinicians for early networking for the students
Mentoring during orientation will allow the student to be able to learn the expectation for being a student such as where to find particular resources how to use a computer software to complete their homework.
Orientation and mentoring play a key role in student retention by helping students feel supported, connected, and prepared from the start. I intend to apply this by ensuring that new students have clear guidance during orientation and access to mentoring resources, so they feel more engaged and confident in continuing their studies.
I have learned the importance of mentoring. Mentoring is a strategy for retention and can be formal and informal. The formal way needs a coordinator
Mentoring can be formal or informal. Orientation can bring anxiety for new students.
A good mentor has the ability to mark the beginning and end of a student's academic program.
Effective mentoring, both informal and formal, can be critical to student retention
Orientations are best when held in a relaxed environment. They should be fun and provide for a variety of activities that offer time for students to talk with each other, express their concerns, and learn ways to address them. Orientations continue the positive environment created during the admissions process. Orientations set the tone for the classroom and school experience.
I think mentoring is helpful with retention however I also think it can be "over structured" so it in turn becomes more a burden for some students- then a very intentional , yet organic experience.
I always understood that mentoring plays a key role in student success, but I didn’t fully realize just how critical a structured mentoring program is for student retention. Such a program helps students feel supported, fosters a stronger sense of belonging, and makes them feel valued and appreciated.
Mentoring has an important role in retention, as students feel supported.
The mentor can really impact for student retention, giving a struggling student someone to go to for questions or ways to help them complete school will be the helpful tool that your school could need. These mentors will need to have a group meeting of expectations, and a list of faculty and what their job description is to better help students that are struggling or new. A mentor program can be very beneficial to help students navigate through out the program.
Orientation should not be a front-loading event where students are overwhelmed with information and become burnt out or turned off in the first week. Events should be staggered so that students will have numerous opportunities to attend a variety of events. Planning a meet-and-greet once a week in the first 4 weeks of school will provide students with a chance to meet other students organically and they will not feel forced or overwhelmed. Another would be to have the student council plan events so that new and returning students can engage and interact in a variety of ways. Orientation should not be the same old box wrapped in new gift wrap.
I have participated in a lot of orientations at a lot of universities, but the background set up and suggestions are not always or even often things I see. Currently, orientation is just a very long checklist of departments reviewing xyz expectations with students instead of a great bonding time. Lots to think about.
I have learned valuable information on how to help our students succeed in in their studies. Providing students with what to expect during the program, not only with the studies, but also how being a students will impact their life and day-to-day schedule. By providing the students helpful strategies to use, such as preparing their families and friends of what will be to come while they are in school. Such as, some events that the student may not be able to attend due to school studies. Also, helping the student's prepare to make arrangements for childcare, work schedules and even with home life at home.
I learned that orientation and mentoring are critical to retention.
