final version of the self-study document - Keuka College's Middle ...

In 2011, the Office of Student Affairs began requiring mentors to submit their Student of
Concern Sheet (document that identifies students who are struggling socially or academically
and provides details about that issue) on a weekly basis, rather than 2-3 times in the first 6 weeks
of school. The Associate Vice President for Student Development follows up with most critical
needs, and referrals are made to other resources on campus as a result of the information
contained in these reports (via retention alert module, phone calls and emails).
Student Affairs also began involving Residence Directors (RDs) as Retention Counselors/
Success Advocates in NSO testing dates starting in 2011. RDs attend all the NSO events with
parents and students and serve on the “How to Parent” Panel. RDs also make contact with
students via residence hall Facebook pages and follow-up with emails to students with questions
and concerns. In 2012, Student Affairs also began assigning RDs to work with specific student
mentors so that the RD/Success Advocate relationship can start being built sooner and so the
mentors can make referrals to specific RDs as issues arise. RDs also introduced the role of
Success Advocates and how they can assist students as part of the mentor group activities during
the June NSO dates.
For Transition Week 2012, Student Affairs staff have also placed a greater emphasis on campus
recreation/intramural opportunities, by expanding time in the transition week schedule and
providing a “playtime” opportunity for students to actually experience some of the recreational
activities (Rec-Fest 2012). Campus Recreation/Intramurals has grown greatly in the past few
years and this is another way to get students connected early on.
Additional transfer student mentors were added for 2012 as Student Affairs has seen an increase
in comments on NSO/Transition Week surveys concerning transfer student needs. Additional
mentors provide extra support for transfer students and a smaller number of students per mentor.
However, transfer students still want a shorter, more comprehensive transfer-only orientation
based solely on transfer needs and not first-time college-student needs. Ideally Student Affairs
would like to have a separate transfer orientation program, but they presently lack the staff to
support a completely separate transfer orientation program.
International/Global Education students participate in a three-day orientation preceding
Transition Week, with several activities and events designed to meet their specific adjustment
needs, particularly transitioning into U.S. culture. Through the auspices of the Center for Global
Education (CGE), a full time International Student Advisor coordinates with the Office of
Multicultural Affairs, multiple departments, and faculty advisors to ensure their successful
cultural, social, and academic acclimation to living and studying in the United States (Appendix
5.16 International Student Orientation Schedule Fall 2012). Community organizations, such as
the Sheriff’s Department and Stork Insurance, are also invited to speak with students about U.S.
Law and medical insurance. The Center for Global Education also connects international students
to the local community through outreach efforts--transporting students to shopping areas, local
banks, the Post Office, and offering students a tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital
and of Penn Yan, NY.
Students in the China and Vietnam Programs participate in Orientation at their home institutions
through a welcome/overview provided by Keuka staff, an improvement implemented in the
2011-2012 academic year based on assessment by the program directors. During this Orientation
session, Keuka China Program students are introduced to Keuka College, to the Keuka China
Program, to the B.S. Management program, and to the concept and practice of Experiential
Page 14 of 39 Chapter 5: Admissions, Retention & Support