Improving Student Retention: Data, Planning, Interventions & Assessment (3-Part Workshop)

Description  Student retention continues to challenge higher education institutions across the country. From open access colleges to the most highly selective universities, higher education professionals seek solutions to the student departure problem. This series offers a theory-based, data-centered approach to improving student retention. The initial session explores retention theory, defining retention at the local level, and the data sources need to get started. The second session outlines how to develop a comprehensive approach to improving student retention, and the series concludes with a session describing retention interventions that have proven to be effective.Session 1: Improving Student Retention: Conceptual Frameworks & Data NeedsSession 2: Developing A Comprehensive Approach: Organizing & Resourcing For SuccessSession 3: Retention Interventions That Work: Programmatic Examples & Assessment OutcomesObjectives Understand the conceptual frameworks guiding retention improvement in the context of organizational change Define student retention within the organizational context (two-year, four-year, first-year students, transfers) Outline the student data needed to inform initiatives aimed at improving student retention Examine data analysis techniques designed to describe student retention trends at the institutional level Understand how to organize retention efforts Detail the steps in developing a self-audit of retention programs Define the resources needed for retention improvement including example ROI calculations Review details of five successful retention interventions, including assessment data Learning communities Early intervention Supplemental Instruction Targeted access and success programming Blended instruction Who Should Attend 2-year & 4-year institutions Academic Affairs/Instruction Student Services/Affairs Advising & Counseling Retention Specialists First Year Experience Coordinators Diversity Directors/Specialists Learning Centers Enrollment Services Any educator interested in student retention & success