Fran Heaston

Staying connected and communicating with the students is important. Using the tools on a consistent basis and sharing those tools with other depatments will build the team at the school. Knowing the resources that you have available and using them to help the students and show that you care. 

Listening to the student and building trust with them is key. We need to understand how to ask probing questions so that we can understand how we can help them and what resources they need. 

i learned the stages of stress and how it effects the students. Quitting is sometimes their solution. As faculty and staff we need to learn how to give positive feedback and help them with poblem solving and resources. 

Student retention is a daily task. It is something you need to look at every day and every class, so that no one slips through the cracks. Having processes that monitor the attrition and help you engage the students will keep you on top of what is going on in your school. 

I learned alot about how the faculty feels when extra work is put apon them. If everyone participates in retention the entire enviromnet of the school changes, and the students want to be there. The studetns need to feel that they belong, and the instructors need to help them feel that way, along with the staff. 

Student retention is a big deal. The students come to school to get a career and learn a new skill or trade. I learned the difference between the unavoidable drop and the avoidable drop. Many students don't know how to problem solve, and they need the staff for encouragement , wisdom and direction. 

i have learned and know that retention is every staff members resonsiblity. I also learned that their are good tools that we can use to improve retention and keep the students involved and on track to graduate. 

Leading is important in developing your employees and influecing them in a great way. My result was a leader. I have been working in Career Schools for alomst 30 years. I also know that good Leadership can be learned and that experience can help you get better. 

I have learned that you can be a good manager and a good Leader. You need to have solid processes, inspiraton and the abilty to motivate. When both leadership and mangement are combined results happen and the majic happens.