2011 Annual Report - Kankakee Community College

RETENTION COMMITTEE
New Student Orientation Sub-Committee
Recommendations for Fall 2011
Retention Committee New Student Orientation Proposal
As part of the retention initiative of the college, we recommend that KCC revise the current new, full-time student
orientation to a student-friendly online version. Converting to an online version would allow KCC to reach more students
while saving time and money. Our vision is to utilize KCC‟s current ANGEL vehicle to house the orientation as
a series of video tutorials that students can watch and later access as they need to utilize the resources thus creating
a virtual “toolbox” of resources for students to access. The tutorials can feature KCC staff, faculty, and students informing
students on how to be successful at KCC while being fun and concise. The entire presentation could be
viewed by students in one sitting in less than 90 minutes or in segments to accommodate students‟ schedules.
We feel that this new version of orientation should be mandatory for all students attending at least half time ensuring
each student is informed of services and resources provided by KCC. It is our recommendation students should
complete the orientation by the end of their first semester. If the orientation modules are not completed, it is suggested
that a lock be placed on the student‟s KCConnect account preventing them from accessing final grades and
other pertinent information. Adding this mandatory element to the orientation is the most effective way to aid new
students into becoming independent and empowered, thus increasing persistence and retention.
Some aspects of the orientation should include video clips of staff introducing their respective areas including but not
limited to:
Advising
Financial aid
Admissions
Learning Resource Center
Testing
Child Care
TRiO
Disability Services
Information Technology
Services
Career Development
Tutoring
Security
We also recommend focusing on e-mail usage, graduation requirements, the importance of obtaining a student photo
ID, and how to get involved with student centered clubs and organizations.
The orientation formats at many community colleges were researched, and we feel that Parkland College has the
best online orientation model. The orientation features current students, faculty, and staff describing aspects of the
college. This orientation was completely produced in-house with available resources and talent. Production to implementation
took only three weeks at minimal cost to the college.
The success of this initiative will be measured by the change in the number of students participating in orientation
and a change in the fall-to-fall retention rate of first-time students.
The members of the retention committee are committed to supporting any and all departments who will be involved in
the production and implementation of this exciting venture.
Prepared by the Office of Institutional Research/ Page 21 of 62