Your students are more than just names on a roster. When they stop showing up, they may be waiting for someone—specifically you—to reach out. A defined, actionable re-engagement plan can bring them back onto the mat and instill a sense of belonging.

Identify the Lost Students in Your Roster

Start by compiling a list of students who haven’t attended classes in the last month. Use your management software or attendance sheets to filter students based on their last attendance. This is a clear starting point.

  1. Log into your member management system.
  2. Export attendance data.
  3. Create a list of absent students.

Segment Your Outreach

Not all students quit for the same reasons. Once you have your list, segment these students into different categories based on their reasons for leaving. Consider sending out a quick survey via email to get more insights into their experiences.

  1. Segment students by reason for absence.
  2. Create targeted messages for each group.
  3. Utilize Google Forms or Typeform for surveys.

Craft Personalized Messages

Personal outreach can work wonders. Create tailored messages addressing each student's specific reason for leaving. A simple 'We miss you, and your challenges matter' can resonate deeply. Aim for SMS or direct emails instead of generic newsletters.

  • Write a personalized note for each student.
  • Use their name and mention specific classes they enjoyed.
  • Incentivize with a special offer or a free class.

Initial Outreach: Week 1

Kick off your 14-day plan with outreach in the first week. Begin by sending text messages or emails to your segmented lists. This reduces the chances of your messages being overlooked compared to less immediate communication like social media.

  1. Send out initial messages within the first three days.
  2. Follow up with a reminder after five days.
  3. Use platforms like Mailchimp or TextMagic for bulk messaging.

Engagement Activities: Week 2

The second week is vital for re-engagement. Organize special classes or events designed to rekindle interest. Invite your lost students to join these happenings. Whether it's a free seminar, an open mat, or a community gathering, set an inviting tone.

  • Host a 'Bring a Friend' day.
  • Schedule a fun belt promotion event.
  • Provide giveaways at the special classes.

Utilize Social Media for Reminders

Social media can be an effective platform to remind students about upcoming events. Post engaging stories showcasing these activities. Don’t forget to tag students, which might prompt them to rejoin.

  1. Post stories leading up to events on Instagram.
  2. Create an event page on Facebook.
  3. Use polls to gauge interest in specific activities.

Schedule Feedback Sessions

A scheduled feedback session lends transparency to your operations. Invite students to share their thoughts on your university’s strengths and weaknesses. This signals that you care about their opinions and are willing to adapt.

  • Set up a Google Meet for feedback chats.
  • Encourage honest, constructive evaluation.
  • Implement changes based on tangible feedback.

Evaluate & Adjust Your Approach

After the 14-day plan, gather your metrics. Assess what worked and what didn't. Whether it’s SMS outreach, personalized messages, or event attendance, adjusting your strategies will ensure future success in retaining students.

  1. Review attendance from re-engaged students.
  2. Compare responses to the feedback you received.
  3. Adapt your ongoing retention strategies.

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Remember, the goal isn’t to pressure students to return, but to foster an environment where they feel valued. Understanding that each student has unique needs is paramount for long-term retention.