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Retention Efforts at Bradley University

Explore the various retention efforts at Bradley University, including targeted programs, faculty and staff involvement, and campus environment, to improve student retention rates. Learn about the Turning Point Program (TPP), Students On Academic Reinstatement (SOAR), early registration contact, student emergencies, and the Office of Parent Relations. These efforts have led to positive outcomes, with an average freshman-to-sophomore retention rate of 81.1%. Personal attention and tailored programming are key to improving student retention.

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Retention Efforts at Bradley University

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  1. Retention Efforts at Bradley University Peoria College Changes Everything Conference Oct. 5, 2012

  2. Preface • Students have various motives for working towards graduation. Tinto, 1998 • Programs for smaller groups are more effective towards retention. Pascarella and Terenzini, 1991. • One retention plan does not fit all student needs. • Need a myriad of faculty and staff to offer a diverse set of retention efforts.

  3. College retention rates are influenced most by the following factors: • Quality of the freshman class • Type of institution • Faculty and Staff • Campus environment for specific student body • Specific retention programs

  4. Freshman to Sophomore Retention Rate of Four Year Private Institutions by Admission Selectivity

  5. Retention programs • Comprehensive approach to student retention • Six key retention efforts for faculty and staff to reach at-risk students • TPP • SOAR • Early Reg. notify • Emergency notification • Midterm Grade letter • Office of Parent Relations

  6. TPP • Turning Point Program • Assisting students on Academic Probation • Weekly, small group meetings • Discuss methods of regaining academic good standing

  7. SOAR • Students On Academic Reinstatement • Assist in the petitioning process • Send a letter to inform them of the program and to make an appointment during the first 2-3 days of the semester • Mandatory weekly meetings with GA or professional staff member • Discuss motivational and attitudinal issues • Cheerleader

  8. Midterm Grade Letter • Registrar provides list of all students who earned a letter grade of D or F • Those students are notified with a letter to inform them of the grade and provide steps to improve those grades • Students are provided contact information to the Center for Learning Assistance or Student Support Services

  9. Early Registration Contact • After early registration concludes, a list of students who are eligible but have not registered is provided by the Registrar • Students are contacted to encourage to enroll or suggest appropriate resources (advisor, dept. chair) • If student is not planning to return, an exit interview is conducted and assistance for possible return is provided

  10. Student Emergencies • Family emergencies • Parent or sibling death • Personal illness • Hospitalized • Health Services diagnosis • Process • Upon notification and verification, student’s professors are notified by email • Student receives a copy of the message • Student is instructed to meet with each professor upon return to campus • Intervention in the case of final exams

  11. Office of Parent Relations • Respond to parental inquiries • Seek out the student and discuss possible difficulties • Follow up with student and parent

  12. Assessments • Freshman to Sophomore Retention Rates • National figures by selectivity • Tracking each cohort class • Program Retention Rates

  13. BU SUMMARY OF FRESHMAN TO SOPHOMORE RETENTION RATE *Average freshman to sophomore retention rate for private, selective universities – 81.1%

  14. Summary of Bradley University Graduation Rates for Freshman Cohort 1994-1998

  15. Program GO FAR TPP SOAR Notification Outcomes ~60% students earn good academic standing ~65% students regain good academic standing ~55% students regain good academic standing or graduated ~10% more students register Results of Programs:

  16. Conclusion • Improving student retention requires personal attention and tailored programming • Availability and approachability are critical to identifying and reaching students in distress

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