Retention
I agree that retention starts at the admissions level. If you admit at-risk students in an attempt to increase enrollment(at the behest of the stockholders), retention rates will plummet.
Interesting concept, leigh. Have you developed any details about a personal retention plan? Who would develop and monitor it?
i find that retention is an issue on the agenda at every campus meeting but it never seems to meet a solution. I think that is because it is so multi faceted. We could speak all day as to the problems that cause people to leave school but in actuality, it isnt one particular thing, at one particular time. The combinations of events are endless. The best I can come up with, other than "dynamic classroom instruction" as my campus likes to say, is to initiate a restention plan individual for each student when they enroll, a plan that is specific to their particular situation.
Dorothy, sounds like a culture issue. Certainly there should be a common commitment to student success and understanding of what that means for staff and faculty. You're right - it starts at the top.
I agree with the statement that retention is everyone's responsibility, but ultimately to whom much is given much is required. Therefore, all people must work together to create an environment that the student's can succeed. It isn't helpful when persons in other departments (i.e. financial aid, student services, etc.) are not as consistent with putting the student's needs first. The persons with more power have to be as available to the students as the persons with less power. Students can tell the difference.
I think that yes it is on the administration to be more responsible with higher risk students, also at the same time the can't have a short staffed school and tell the instructors that it all falls on there shoulders if the student doesnt succeed. its a catch 22 if you dont have the students then you dont have the instructors but you need a fair ratio of student to teachers and a back staff that works with everyone not themselves.
I think admissions starts the process but it is up to the entire school to keep a student going. It should not be put on just one set of shoulders to keep a student in their classes.
I don't thinking of a chair person being involved will help in the long run. I really feel that the admission reps should do their jobs correctly and quit submitting student applicants with not properly getting them into an "Advanced Math" course but they barely or even general know "Basic Math" skills. If management is the cause of the admission reps failure, then I tend to look at management's keyed interest, is the almighty dollar. The days for students requiring an education is held by what profession the student is befiiting with their abilities and educated their minds.
Amy, how do the program chairs feel about being involved in the interview process? This could be a great demand on their time.
This is an ongoing issue. I agree, I think retention starts at admissions. Making sure the studet has clear expectations of the program, financial aid, support services, scheduling and how classes are taught.They should have the opportunity to meet with the Program chair if possible.
Stephen, I'm not sure that this is a foregone conclusion, but clearly at-risk students require more resources and the institution has a responsibility to address related issues.
