Assistant Professor of RTV/Communication Studies Carl Coulanges shares five points of advice about improving student retention rates.

Retention can be difficult, especially after connecting with a student and they no longer return. In my experience, I have found five key points that help retention in our Radio & Television program.

Classroom environment

It’s important to establish a tone in the classroom. For me, it’s all about making students feel welcomed and having a voice. In my Intro to Media Production course, the first thing I ask every class is “What topics are trending?” Students respond with hot topics they see on their socials or any TV shows or movies they have seen. This gives a chance for me to learn what are their interests and also find out what they have in common with classmates. Several times, their interests are mine as well. Between sports and pop culture, I am able to establish a rapport with students just with a simple question of “What topics are trending?”

Classroom discussions are key because it’s engaging and keeps interest. Also, applying the lesson to a topic the students can relate to will make for great discussions. In my Issues in Media course, the class is split into two sides: One side of the room is for the issue, the other side is against the issue. Prior to class, the topic is given so students can research their arguments before attending and during class everyone has the opportunity to give their opinion on the topic. Topics include “Is taking selfies harmless?” “Do comedians go too far?” and “Can you separate the art from the artist?”  In addition, students select their own topics and partners to have one-on-one debates on media-related issues. Having a voice is very important in retention because students want to be heard. In my classes, everyone speaks without judgement. Give them a voice and allow for everyone to participate in healthy, respectful dialogue.

Student assessment

With a balance of tests, projects, presentations and homework assignments, students can keep good grades by exceling in at least one particular type of assessment. They may be stronger in taking tests or when collaborating on projects. In each class, the projects and assignments change in order to keep up with the media industry. Our programs are very hands on and relatable to professional companies.

Clubs and activities

Giving students options outside of the classroom is really important in retention. Students in the RTV program can leave the classroom and join the Suffolk Broadcasters Club. There, they can create their own content which they can own and use to build their professional resumes. They have the chance to collaborate not only with classmates in the media field but also students outside the major. As a program, we break away from the norm of attending classes and just having fun at a club.

This year, we are celebrating the 5th Annual Radio & TV Media Festival presented by the Suffolk Broadcasters Club. The festival is designed to showcase student productions in different genres which include movie trailer, music video, comedy and radio features. Students get dressed up and interviewed on the red carpet and have a chance to win awards in a fun, Oscars-like atmosphere which students look forward to participating in.

I also motivated a student to begin the Suffolk Wrestling Federation. Realizing there are RTV students who, like me, love pro wrestling allowed us to create a space for other student fans to come share their enthusiasm. Pending approval, this will officially become a club at the Ammerman Campus. As advisor for both Suffolk Broadcasters and this Wrestling Federation club, I can see how much our students enjoy being here at SCCC.

Internship opportunities

Our internship in RTV requires students to complete 150 hours. We offer several internship opportunities in order to make it simpler for them to complete these by working in Suffolk Radio producing on-air or creating their own media podcasts. Gaining experience to polish their skills before graduation gives them a step ahead.

I also created a summer internship at the Merrick Woods summer camp. As the media coordinator for this camp, I give our students the option to work with me for the summer taking pictures and capturing videos of campers from the ages of 3 to 14. This summer camp internship is a fun, relaxing environment for our students.

Checking in

In the beginning of the semester, I set a few policies with my students: “If you need something, say something” and “Let’s have the conversation before it’s too late.” Life happens for our students, and many fall behind. Keeping open communication with students can help them keep up with assignments. I always encourage them to check in so if there is an issue, we can figure out a solution together.

I hope these practices can be beneficial to others in our goal to keep students here at SCCC.