Get Your Students Hired
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.
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.
Mentoring students helps with retention by giving a student someone to discuss concerns with. It lets the student know the school cares
This was great information. Because we are an Online school, mentorship is a little tricky. However, we do have a mentorship program within our HCA program. One way I was thinking we could informally mentor is by having a "Mentor Monday" post on Facebook. We could have successful students provide tips.
Mentoring and orientation are all parts of creating connection and belonging. Increasing the sense of belonging for students in an online environment is key to retention.
Implementing Successful Student Retention Strategies: Orientation and Mentoring Affects Retention
Orientation and mentoring programs are critical components of student success and directly impact retention rates. These initiatives help students transition into college life, build strong connections with peers and faculty, and foster a sense of belonging—all of which are essential for keeping students engaged and motivated throughout their academic journey. Here’s how effective orientation and mentoring can enhance student retention:
Smooth Transition into College Life
A well-structured orientation program helps new students adjust to the academic, social, and logistical aspects of college life. By addressing potential challenges early on—such as navigating campus resources, understanding academic expectations, and time management—students feel more prepared and confident, reducing the likelihood of early withdrawal.
Building a Sense of Community
Orientation events that encourage interaction and relationship-building between students create a sense of belonging. When students feel connected to their peers, they are more likely to stay engaged and invested in their academic experience, leading to higher retention rates.
Mentorship for Guidance and Support
Pairing new students with experienced mentors—whether faculty, staff, or peer mentors—provides personalized guidance and support. Mentors offer valuable advice on academics, career planning, and personal growth, helping students navigate challenges and stay on track toward their goals.
Addressing Academic and Social Integration
Successful mentoring programs help students integrate both academically and socially. Mentors can guide students through course selection, study habits, and academic resources while also encouraging involvement in extracurricular activities and social networks. This balance of academic and social support contributes to student satisfaction and retention.
Providing Early Intervention
Mentors play a key role in identifying and addressing potential issues early. Whether a student is struggling academically or feeling disconnected socially, mentors can provide timely intervention and connect students to resources before these challenges lead to disengagement or dropout.
Fostering Long-Term Relationships
Mentoring relationships often extend beyond the first year, providing ongoing support throughout a student’s academic journey. This continuity strengthens the student’s connection to the institution and fosters a sense of loyalty and commitment, which contributes to higher retention rates.
By implementing strong orientation and mentoring programs, institutions can positively impact student retention by creating a supportive, connected environment that promotes academic success and personal well-being from the very beginning.
Mentoring is important to the overall success and retention of students. Having a mentor allows the student to be able have someone they can ask questions to, while also providing a point of accountability.
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.
Orientation is a very exciting and yet, stressful time for new students. So, with all of the benefits and services that students can take advantage of, mentoring is one of the best. Mentoring serves as a means of attaining a student's goals and it also increases retention. This happens by fostering academic and social support for the student and particularly for vulnerable, at risk students.
I like the idea of a mentoring program, and I think we can incorporate some of the items I learned into our Student Ambassadors program at the campus.
Orientation is a critical event in the life of the student. Not only is it the "hand-off" between the Admissions and Education departments, but it is a capstone and a cornerstone of the student experience.
Es muy importante acompañar al estudiante proporcionando información clave para el éxito de su programa académico. Es necesario conocer las ventajas del programa y comunicárselas con claridad. Esto resolverá dudas que posiblemente el estudiante no planteó desde el inicio.
En esta etapa aprendimos sobre temas como ser:
Importancia de la orientación
Programas de orientación eficaces
Importancia de la tutoría
Mentoría informal
Mentoría formal
Que nos permite mejorar las practicas utilizadas para la orientación y tutorías.
A detailed to-do checklist can assist with making the transition into a successful student. Most students underestimate the amount of changes attending school will bring to their personal and professional lives, including their closest relationships. Managing this transition proactively greatly increases student retention. Carving out dedicated time for class and studying is critical as is having multiple back up plans for hiccups in childcare or transportation that may interrupt class attendance. Official and unofficial mentorship programs can both help students find a lifeline when navigating challenges.