Cassie Castaneda

Managers are essential to a company however not every high performer holds the ability to be a great manager. In fact, it takes more than just high performance numbers - to be a great manager you need to hold a high level of skills in people and influence. 

It is important that the helpee feels confident that you care for them by showing them empathy thorough truly listening to their verbal and nonverbal queues.

Listening is a skill that many do not understand and we are seeing it less and less to the point it is becoming a skill and not a habit. 

It is important to ensure there is a wide array of activities to allow all students to connect to the school on an academic and social level. It also taught me that an instructors teaching style can definitely affect the outcome of student retention. 

I have learned that mentoring plays a crucial role in student success and that there are numerous effective approaches to mentoring. To facilitate this, I intend to solicit volunteers and assign them to mentoring roles. This will help ensure that students receive the guidance and support they need to thrive.

Retention can be seen as early as the admissions process and by taking steps such as a quick survey can assist with ensuring their interest in the program fits their expectations. It also allows staff from early on, keep the interest peaked. 

I have learned that retention can be improved by not only putting focus on those attending events but reaching out to those who are not, this may help avoid drops due to loneliness/isolation. Also, my new favorite saying, "Don't think of retention as a goal. Think of retention as the by-product of doing the right things the right way, of having the right people int he right place at the right time." Often retention is a budget goal line rather than a way for a campus to improve both internally and consumer based.