Retention and Student Life

Dr. Kevin W. BaileyVice President for Student Affairs

Retention KPI

74.30%

73.00%

71.10%

78.80%

72.80%

71%

81%

66%

68%

70%

72%

74%

76%

78%

80%

82%

Fall 2006 Fall 2007 Fall 2008 Fall 2009 Fall 2010 Peer- Fall 2010

Aspirant-Fall 2010

Fa

ll t

o F

all

: F

resh

me

n t

o S

op

ho

mo

re

Retention

• Retention is an intentional and labor intensive process.

• The stronger a student’s institutional commitment, the more likely that a student is to persist and graduate.

• Factors external to the institution can play a significant role in affecting student attitudes and intentions, and subsequently, their decision to persist.

• Institutional factors play a role in enhancing or hindering student retention.

Retention

Ad Hoc Retention Committee Members Dr. Kevin Bailey, Vice President for Student Affairs (Chair)Ms. Krista Boren, Associate Director, Housing & Residence LifeMs. Melanie Haveard, Deputy Chief Information OfficerDr. Michael Jasek, Associate Dean of Students & Director of Student Transition ProgramsMs. Lauren Loeffler, Director, Career ServicesMs. Sue McKinnon, Associate Vice President for Enrollment ManagementDr. Tom Wescott, Dean, General StudiesMs. Kathy Wilson, Director, University Advising Center

13 Recommendations

1.Implement block tuition.2.Develop a predictive model for

academic success in the first year. *

3.Require the Academic Foundations Seminar (AFS) Course for all FTICs. *

4.Increase faculty participation in the early warning program. *

5.Create a first-year success team. *

6.Revamp the withdrawal process. *

7.Create a summer cohort program for students. *

13 Recommendations

8. Follow-up with every student who does not register for the subsequent semester.

9. Develop milestones for success along the path of the first two years of college.

10. Develop and market a 4-yr career development plan for students. *

11. Provide more support to various student sub-populations.

12. Expedite processing of change of major requests.

13. Create a Retention Coordinator position.*

The Structure of Retention

Vice President for Student Affairs

Retention Coordinator

First Year Success TeamCareer ServicesGeneral Studies

Information TechnologyHousing & Residence Life

Research Center (CORAL or Haas)

Student Support ServicesStudent Transition ProgramsUniversity Advising Center

University Retention Team

(chaired by Retention

Coordinator)

Provost & Vice President for

Academic Affairs