An analysis of the mentoring program in the administrative assistant program at the Chippewa Valley Technical College

Abstract

The rate of student retention in the full-time Business Technology Administrative Assistant position at Chippewa Valley Technical College averages 40%, ranging from 57% in 1996-1997 to 34% in 2001-2002. In fall 2002, the Business Technology department instituted a mentoring program to increase retention. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of integrating the mentoring program in 2002 by the Business Technology Department. This study will determine if the mentoring program improves student satisfaction (SIS Survey) and thus increases retention in the Administrative Assistant program. Data was collected during the summer of 2004 from the Administrative Assistant students and the Business Technology instructors. Data was also collected from Chippewa Valley Technical instructors. Data was also collected from Chippewa Valley Technical College for completion of credits and retention information. The instrument was a survey given to the students and instructors. Fifty-seven percent of the students returned the survey and 83% of the instructors returned the survey. Seventy-nine percent of the students felt that the mentoring program is effective and 90% of the instructors felt that the mentoring program is effective. Retention rates were analyzed and a 53% rate in retention was found after instituting the mentoring program. This was a relatively dramatic increase in retention since the inception of the mentoring program.