Michael O'Neil

Discussion Comment

Until recently our company has not processed much information on retention strategies down to all employees. The training for most of the staff that have constant student contact does not seem to be much. I feel that if htere was more focus on world class customer service AND retention, our students would hopefully feel that all departments are here to help them.

Michael O'Neil

Discussion Comment

The reasons for withdrawal

We have all heard many reasons for a student withdrawing from school. I have felt on many occasions that like a child, some of them are just saying "what we want to hear" in order to end their education. I know that not attaining a goal does not end life, but it also can make for a series of poor decisions later on, or create a "quitter attitude". How long is the conversation of the reason behind the withdrawal? How much probing is done to find the real reason? How much does the employee really care or is it just… >>>

Michael O'Neil

Discussion Comment

Adult Learners and their busy schedules

Our school has many ways of recognizing the students and helping them with their academic and personal challenges. Most of the suggestions in the Module 3 thread we already have in place. In adult education the students do not seem to have any time available to attend non class events due to their work schedule, family commitments, and school schedule. Our students are in class for 5 hours a day, have a job that most need just to pay the bills, and then time for family. The syllabus and curriculum do not leave much time available. In the past we… >>>

Michael O'Neil

Discussion Comment

You are what you think

HABEs is a cultured variation of what my grandmother used to tell us as kids - "you are what you think". She would tell us that often in an attempt to get us to "see" ourselves as we wanted to. We can change our habits, attitudes, beliefs and expectations simply based on what we think. Positive attitudes will usually have positive effects on our daily lives. Transversely, a negative attitude will result in negative outcomes. I used to think Gram was great for hot chocolate chip cookies, now her wisdom outshines that by far.

Michael O'Neil

Discussion Comment

Peer Tutoring as Peer Mentors - is any other campus doing this?

What have been your challenges and how were they overcome? We are using peer tutors as well as instructor tutors here in Orlando at MMI. It is working very well so far. We have not had many challenges, but would like to have a heads up if any others out there have had some.

Michael O'Neil

Discussion Comment

UTI/MMI Admissions

Can a UTI/MMI admissions rep put it in simple format what is done by the admissions dept. to get and keep the student? Many in the company think that all the reps do is get the student to sign and show up, I know it is a lot more than that and I feel that if more employees understood your job duties it could help to harmonize us all.

Michael O'Neil

Discussion Comment

On-line posting area for students?

Has anyone had any experience with an on-line blogging area that students can put in comments. I would assume that the comments would be screened prior to going to final posting to remove any offending remarks. I think the students would use this as a place to seek suggestions or help with some of their challenges. It could be monitored by staff and even refer students to the right staff member that could help with their challenges. It could be a UTI/MMI wide site, or maybe even campus specific.

Michael O'Neil

Discussion Comment

You MUST view yourself as an Instructor

We all must view ourselves as instructors first and foremost. We must remember that the students are not our buddies. We are here to teach them many things and assess their ability to perform those tasks. I feel that TWO of the most important things to teach our students is professionalism and the course. If an instructor teaches only the course and does not uphold and enforce the Student Success Guide, or the Employee Handbook, we are doing the student, ourselves, and our company a great misjustice. A student can learn the technical skills to perform any given task, but… >>>

Michael O'Neil

Discussion Comment

What type of Instructor are you?

I know that I am a Dead Poet-Drill Sergeant instructor. I am very passionate about the lessons I teach and its impact on my students. I am also very passionate about my students ability to follow the rules. It is my job, and duty, to ensure they not only have the proper technical skills to excel in the field, but to also have the soft skills to be able to retain their job. After all, very few of my students will start their own business immediately upon graduation, therefore, they must be willing and able to follow the rules of… >>>