A Fast Track to Improving Retention and Student Assessment Data: Using Traditional Recruitment Systems

to Increase Student Re-Enrollment Rates

Thursday, June 10, 1:45pm - 2:45pm
Goff Jay, Dean, Enrollment Management, Missouri University of Science & Technology
In our multi-media society, recent communication studies demonstrate that telephone interaction is by far the most
used and preferred medium by today's students.  This session reviews ways of adapting existing recruitment and
data collection strategies (Telecounseling, Student Profile Data, Surveys, etc) to improve multiple student services
and re-enrollment rates.  Campuses using these applications have seen immediate increases in student re-
enrollment rates and a decrease in the number of students dropped for non-payment issues.  Participants will receive
sample script and survey questions, operational calendars, and methods for implementing these productive student
service methods.

Emotional Intelligence Coaching

Thursday, June 10, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Steve Fishman, Program Leader, Seneca College; Lisa Decandia, Program Coordinator, Seneca College
Emotional Intelligence is a learned ability to understand, use and express human emotions in healthy and productive
ways.  Emotional and social competencies such as adaptability, stress management, and interpersonal skills are
important factors in the successful transition to and completion of college. The positive emotional growth of students
is a core value of student development and key to academic achievement and student retention. EI involves
developing abilities to effectively manage the demands and pressures of college and everyday life.     This workshop
provides an overview of Emotional Intelligence as it relates to college success and student retention. Using a
‘coaching’ approach, participants will explore techniques that encourage students to develop and enhance EI skills
that lead to academic and personal success.     Participants who attend this session will:   • Gain a basic
understanding of emotional intelligence and the value of utilizing a coaching approach  • Identify specific EI
competencies related to student success  • Learn and explore approaches and techniques that encourage students
to cultivate emotional intelligence competencies

Academic Advising: Critical Link in Student Success

Thursday, June 10, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Wes Habley, Principal Associate, ACT, Inc.
This session focuses on critical conceptual components and organizational imperatives for a successful advising
program.  Concepts include advising mission, definition of advising, the relationship between advising and teaching,
the relationship between advising and career/life planning, and the relationship between advising and student
persistence. Organizational elements include the centrality of advising, campus collaboration and cooperation, active
outreach to students, and effective training, assessment, and recognition.

Got Career Planning?

Friday, June 11, 10:00am - 11:00am
Linda Shiller, Director, Career and Educaton Outreach, Vermont Student Assistant Corporation
Studies show that many students drop out of college because they don’t feel engaged in their academic coursework
as a freshman or sophomore. Students need to feel engaged, set personal goals and expectations and create
academic plans to meet these goals. Effective career planning strategies can provide students with the tools to help
them with their personal/social development, lifelong skills, decision making, goal setting and planning beyond high
school and college. This workshop will provide a framework and strategies for  developing and facilitating a
collaborative career planning “system “ to meet the needs of your students. Learn how effective career planning
strategies used in pre-college settings as well as on the campus can boost persistence and college completion.

Outside the Box Retention Strategies

Friday, June 11, 11:15am - 12:15pm
Bob Bontrager, Director, AACRAO Consulting,
Research indicates that many common retention strategies lack evidence of actually improving retention rates.  In this
context, relying on conventional wisdom may not be an effective approach to crafting retention programs.   This
session looks at initiatives not commonly referenced in retention discussions, but with proven track records of
improving student access and degree completion.