How to Retain Students After They Get off...

How to Retain Students After They Get off Probation

July 11, 2017

Ismaa Al Aloul

Senior Academic Advisor

American University of Sharjah

Presentation Plan

- American University of Sharjah

- Academic Support Center and repeat probation students

- The inspiration for new initiatives

- Student Support Crew is born

- Various student-led activities and events

- Benefits of the program

- Tips for creating your own

How to Retain Students After They Get Off Probation| 11.07.17

American University of Sharjah (AUS)

Background on Student Body

- Multicultural (101 nationalities represented)

- Typically affluent

- Come from a multitude of high school systems

- AUS considered prestigious and a top university in the region


Academic Support Center (ASC)Levels of Intervention

Identification of at-risk

students for early

intervention

Probation 1 Probation 2Academic Dismissal


Repeat Probation Students

Definition and Personal Data

- (Unofficial) definition: a student who, at some point, gets off probation and then gets back on probation at a later time (not consecutive semesters)

- Caseload of 50 to 100 students

- Between Fall 2015 and Spring 2017, range of 20-30% of my caseload were repeat probation students


How it StartedTaking Initiative

- Promoted and given authority to develop new services

- Focused on “at-risk” category

- Inspired by research on student retention and persistence- Refer to NACADA Pocket Guide 07: The Role of Academic

Advising in Student Retention and Persistence (2010), Susan Campbell and Charlie Nutt.

- Main idea was to engage previous probation students in offering services (after they got off probation)


Student Support Crew (SSC) is BornPaid ASC Student Workers

- Hiring criteria: 1. previously on probation 2. made use of ASC services 3. now on good standing and progressing 4. interested in sharing their story and helping others learn from their mistakes

- Consent forms for confidentiality

- Hold meetings to brainstorm event/activity ideas (they set the agenda)


Student-led Initiatives

UPA Classroom Visits

- UPA 200 study skills course required once for any student on probation

- SSC presented in each section to tell their story, share practical tips, and emphasize importance of the course (and study skills in general)


Student-led InitiativesVideo Project

- SSC creating “How I did it” series of promotional videos

- Videos showcase ASC staff and office space, real life stories told by SSC staff, and words of advice

- Script and shooting completed by SSC (highlighting and using their skills)


Student-led Initiatives“Learning to Learn” Panel Discussion Event

- Panel of SSC staff (formerly on probation) discussing top reasons why students get on probation and how they tackled them

- SSC in charge from A-Z with some facilitation- poster design, panel members, moderator, organizing of venue, etc.

- 2 practice sessions to decide on topics for discussion and to be given feedback on time and how to make their answers concise, yet catchy


Student-led InitiativesStudy Skills Workshops

- Create and present useful workshops; currently presenting “Climbing the Ladder from Academic Probation to Dean’s List”

- Working on new themes: ‘group work’ and ‘saying no to distractions’

- ASC Certificate is awarded for attending 8 different workshops (currently 15 topics)


Student-led InitiativesFuture Events

New:

- UPA classroom activity, instead of presentation

- Post-orientation recap event

- Speaker series/conference

- Trainings on happiness, self-worth and empowerment

- Social media involvement

Repeat:

- Disability Awareness Day

- “Learning to Learn” Panel


Benefits of the SSC ProgramBenefits for Audience

- Students listen to other students

- SSC share real life stories and practical tips

- SSC members can be contacted individually for further guidance

- Complete their probation requirements in an alternative way

- Possibly more creativity, less work for the advisor


Benefits of the SSC ProgramBenefits for SSC

- (Hopefully) will not go back on probation

- Increase confidence and sense of responsibility

- Develop communication and leadership skills (often 1st time with such an experience)

- Connect at a much deeper level with each other, with the advisor and with the university (we share a WhatsApp group)

- Priority at AUS student trainings, e.g. DiSC Analysis personality training, and more trainings to come

- Work opportunity (minimum or nominal pay as an added incentive)

- Student engagement is highly important (refer to Ellucian report #2: http://www.ellucian.com/Insights/Retention-and-student-success--Implementing-strategies-that-make-a-difference/


http://www.ellucian.com/Insights/Retention-and-student-success--Implementing-strategies-that-make-a-difference/

Final TipsRemember This…

- Program/activities are alternative/creative ways to supplement advising

- Know what group to focus on and your target audience

- Student engagement in the process from A to Z is essential

- Use a variety of mediums

- Incorporate some incentives


only facilitate! Believe in their abilities and use their skill-set

Thank you

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