Fall 2012 - Southwest Baptist University

To make this freshmen connection, the studentmust have direct contact with the institutionalresources that are most effective in promotingpersonal, social, and academic adjustment.Institutions should put their strongest, moststudent-centered people, programs, andservices in the freshmen year. The freshmenretention program at SBU includes thefollowing:Orientation ProgramsOrientation programs help students make asuccessful transition to college and becomeacclimated to the process of higher learning. .Pre-admission programs include informingprospective students and their families aboutthe institution through campus visits, writtenmaterial, and information programs. Afterprospective students have applied and beenadmitted, they participate in pre-enrollmentprograms which include academic advising,registration, and orientation to the campus.Welcome Week, conducted just before thestart of classes during the first year, includesacademic integration, spiritual, social andinterpersonal development, transition issues,and logistical concerns.The integration of freshmen into the academicsetting is a critical component of the orientationprocess. Students also need to develop realisticexpectations of the amount and type of workrequired for academic success. Learningwhat it takes to be successful academicallyincludes inventing a rhythm for studying andprioritizing tasks and assignments. OrientationJodi MeadowsInstructor of University Success Center; Gordon & Judy Dutile Honors Program Support Faculty"The aspect of working in the Success Center that is most meaningful to me is thecollegiality and professionalism of my co-workers. Every faculty member in the SuccessCenter is truly committed to integrity in advising and excellence in teaching. I appreciatethe time we spend each semester collecting data and evaluating the impact of ourpractices on student learning and retention. Although we have autonomy in our methods,we approach the entire process as a team effort which enriches our work environment,as well as strengthens our interaction with students."Sherrie Bayer, M.S. ’92Instructor of University Success Center; Interdisciplinary Studies Coordinator;Upperclassman At-risk Coordinator“I love working with freshmen at this pivotal time in their lives when they are deciding theirmajor, adapting to college life, and becoming independent. I get to be a part of that processby encouraging students, empowering them with skills that will help them be successful, andchallenging them to seek God’s will for their lives.”Dana StewardInstructor of University Success Center; University Success Center Director“I truly enjoy working with first-year students. I love building relationships with them andproviding support and guidance as they begin their college experience. The first year ofcollege is an important time of growth for students and it’s an honor for me to walk besidestudents as they mature and pursue the life that God has planned for them.“10 SBUlife Fall 2012