Move in weekend isn't the only baggage coming to campus...

Your "retention problem", 
is really a relationship opportunity.

It's a much needed shift in perspective.
It's a much needed shift in focus.

From trying to come up with initiatives to keep someone (that sounds like prison),
to creating environments to get to know someone (that sounds like a lot of fun).

No two experiences on campus will ever be the same. 
They can't be.

Every single student coming to your University brings different baggage.
And not just the ones on move in weekend.

The emotional ones they carry with them every, single day as they go to and from class.
The emotional ones they carry with them trying to look strong, when they feel weak.
The emotional ones they carry with them when they aren't accepted by someone.

The list is longer than we'd ever know.

And the effort it takes to carry them weighs on a person's heart.

It did for me as a college freshman,
and it does for many, many students on your campus as well.

But here is the good news...

The opportunity is greater than ever before.

Engage them in conversation from day one.
Empower them to talk about their baggage and they'll be more likely to open it up.
Excite them that their best days are still in front of them, on your campus.
Energize them by showing them they aren't alone, and that others carry baggage too.

Remind them they are a relationship you value,
by creating an experience that matches your words.

Give them access to people who have been through what they are going through,
not just people that want to "fix" them so they don't leave school.

That's a very important part of the process.

People respond to the opportunity to hear from someone who has been in their shoes.

You'll be amazed how willing they are to open up about what their greatest needs are, so that in 4 years or so they walk across a stage having reached their next milestone.

It's what you want.
It's what they want.
It's what I wanted.

And it will happen when we stop referring to them as a retention problem,
and start honoring them as real people, with real needs through a real relationship.

It's what helped me on my journey from failing out of college,
to becoming a scholarship musician and athlete, and graduating Cum Laude.

There are countless stories similar to mine waiting to unfold on your campus.

The only question is are you willing to seek out the conversations early on,
so that you don't have confrontations (removal from school) when it's too late?

I believe you are.
I believe you can.
I believe you will.

Please remember to connect with someone who has carried the burden of failing out, as part of your freshman initiatives. There aren't many Universities doing this. And if you are looking to lead...to differentiate yourself as a University, that would do it. It's an integral part of the success for every one of your students. And if you don't know where to start looking for that person, I've got good news...

You've already found him.

Here.
Contact@WHOBIX.com
@BrettWGould
716-672-9661 

Another reason your "retention problem", is really...a relationship opportunity.

For you and me, 
so that it is for you and your students,
at your University.