Eddie Burt CHEP

We are expected to attain a completion rate of 90% or better...meaning we should only lose 10% due to attendence or academic failures. This is per course...our courses last 3weeks and students can take anywhere from 17 to 34 courses total befor ethey graduate.

Loren Kroh

Do you mean 90% of those who start your course complete or are you referring to the percentage of those who complete the entire course?

Eddie Burt CHEP

We usually strive for at least a 90% retention rate...I do fall short on occasion usually due to the students lack of preparation to become active as a student. Many times their financial responsiblilties get in the way of there learning.

Loren Kroh

The most successful 'retention officers' I've known take each withdrawal personally. They will do everything they can to eliminate the barriers that are driving students to the decision to drop out.

Charles and Bonny, how do you measure retention? Is it quarter to quarter? By program? By section?

Charles Zaruba

Hi Bonny,
Excellent question and personally, I'm not sure what an ACCEPTABLE rate would be. Our objective is for every student to achieve their highest goal and we try to create a positive learning environment which will help and encourage a student to succeed. While we can't control the challenges which our students are continuously dealing with, we can be understanding and flexible in helping them accomplish their goal. As you know, my personal goal is and always has been to achieve 100% retention. Although as unrealistic as it might seem, we all work to toward this objective. As for an acceptable rate, each school would determine what that should be and like you, I'm also interested in reading other postings.

Loren Kroh

Great questions, Bonny! I hope that other Forum participants will respond.