As student retention becomes of increasing concern in the field of higher education, there has been a movement to focus on student engagement. Engaged students tend to be retained more than those who feel isolated or uncared for. Often, advising administrators develop campaigns that direct advisors to "reach out" to their students, with little direction other than a list of names, emails, and phone numbers. The focus is often on how many students can be contacted and, ultimately, enrolled.
Student engagement should not be limited toward these kinds of efforts. If an advisor needs to be told to contact her students, then something is already missing. Advisors, by the very nature of their roles, should be actively engaging their students every day. They should strive to know their students and to develop a relationship with them. These relationships will increase job satisfaction for the advisor, and will positively impact students who seek advising.
Recently, I sent out a mass email to all of my students, which I have included below. The response was amazing. Many students took the time to thank me for the encouragement or for simply being part of their academic journey. Others replied to inform me of challenges and successes they have experienced, while others simply followed up with an advising question. The payoff can be significant in helping students feel cared for, connected, and informed. This type of exchange can provide further opportunity to engage in proactive advising. For instance, the student who responds, "Thanks for the encouraging words; they are much needed!" opens the door for further discussion. Check his record. See how he's doing. Is he registered for next semester? How are his grades? Respond with an empathetic ear and further inquiry. Establish a dialog. This will truly exemplify student engagement, and will be meaningful for both the student and the advisor.
Mass email:
Students:
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I wanted to take a moment to tell you that I am thankful for you!
I am truly fortunate to be able to work with students who are passionate about their careers and have chosen to pursue an academic achievement earned by very few.
I am grateful for the opportunity to help you develop your academic plans, strategize in order to overcome obstacles, and celebrate your successes. I am inspired by those of you who have faced significant life challenges, losses, and hardships and continue to persevere toward your academic goals. I am energized as I listen to you describe your work and articulate your research ideas. I am excited to have the opportunity to be among the first to call you “Doctor.”
The road to a doctoral degree is a long, trying one, often filled with unanticipated, sometimes seemingly insurmountable barriers. During those times when you’re not sure if you can continue in your program, reach out to me. We’ll try to find a way to make it work! If you’ve stopped out of the program, make sure to keep in touch with me so that you don’t lose sight of the academic and professional goals that brought you to NSU in the first place.
I value the partnerships that I have developed with so many of you. If we have not yet met, please drop me a line, give me a call, or stop by to say hello.
Wishing you all the best as we approach the holiday season.
Great article and email, Sue. It is so easy for us as advisors to have our student outreach be very business-focused (e.g.,, registration reminders, policy updates) and to unintentionally lose the personal connection. Your article is a great reminder that this time of year it is especially important to step back for a moment and think about why we became involved in higher education. A simple and heart-felt message of thankfulness not only serves to encourage our students but us as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback. I try to time the communications so that the students get the information they need pertaining to deadlines, policies, etc., but also send some personalized communications, as well.
ReplyDelete