In an online MSW Program Enhancing Graduation and Retention Rates

Challenging in any higher education Especially challenging in an online program 5 year retention/graduation rates at UND have been 93% 5 key areas identified Retention/Graduation Rates

Build a relationship Opportunity to begin bonding with faculty and program Be conscious of the distance context Normalize and reduce anxiety Value the role of Advisor as a department Advisement Philosophy

Assigned a temporary advisor – MSW program director or – MSW distance program coordinator Multiple contacts Proactive – reach out to students – Push information with regularity – contact Responsive Initial Advisement

Orientation Pre-flights Normalizing technology – Reduces anxiety for classroom learning Message of value Front End Commitment

Campus visit Orientation around Independent Study “Speed Dating” for an Advisor Followed through graduation by Advisor Connecting Advisement to Field Permanent Advisement

Examples – death in families – Weddings – trips together – graduation Talk about being closer to classmates than to those in their “world” Socialization

Biosketches & photos Faculty Provide forums for Campus Visits Ensure all students get same information Combine student/faculty connections with Field visits to area Campus visits – In-depth evaluation indicates these are key for creating a more bonded learning community Socialization

Welcome Dinners – Faculty, Dean, Provost Field Visits Inclusion of other students while traveling All faculty are actively involved in advisement Involvement and Engagement

Culture of responsive faculty, including during non-traditional hours Actively look for barriers and identify ways to eliminate them Faculty Brown Bags on creating supportive learning environments, e.g., recent workshop on scholarly projects Center for Learning Technology Graduate School Faculty and Staff Approachability

Preflights Campus Visit Labs Group work across the miles Distance meets Campus Facebook Twitter Learning Experiences