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.
