Getting+Off+on+the+Right+Foot

Data shows that four easy tasks done at the beginning of the semester can have a large impact on student success. Participants at the session will examine their own (and others!) syllabi and beginning of the semester materials through the lens of student centered research. Together we'll tailor these research findings to the students at YC with the end goal of increasing student success. Facilitator:

Matt Pearcy, Professor, Science



NOTES BY T.BOHRMAN

46% of students don't make it to the second year How to increase student success = make connection

Get in 'touch' with students at the BEGINNING Welcome letter for F2F courses as well as online; orientation video is casual, friendly, makes salient & concrete points like 'did you get the textbook?'
 * 1. Forming Connections Before the Semester Begins.**

friendly vs unfriendly syllabus language is inviting, encouraging support statement "please come see me"
 * 2. Fostering Approachability and Engagement**

The system is not intuitive 1st gen students have a disadvantage in their support system, as fam and friends are just as unfamiliar college resource scavenger hunt; syllabus quiz that points out some good points; -- How do we get the information to students w/o repeatability --
 * 3. Learning the Rules of the Game**

Early alert Clear expectations Scaffolding development Address magical thinking- the mistaken belief they have a chance to come through despite what they do during the semester, xtra credit.
 * 4. Giving Good Feedback and Quickly**

[|Ted about student relationships]