Student Retention, Faculty Can Help! L EWIS S TROUD MAE

Student Retention “Student, faculty interaction has a stronger relationship to student satisfaction with the college experience than any other involvement variable, or indeed, any other student or institutional characteristic.” – Alexander Astin, UCLA HERI “Students who have frequent contact with faculty members in and out of the class during their college years are more satisfied with their educational experiences, are less likely to drop out, and perceive themselves to have learned more than students who have less faculty contact.” ‐ K. Patricia Cross, About Campus, 1998

Student Retention Vincent Tito of Syracuse University stated in his article titled “Taking Student Retention Seriously” listed five conditions that stand out when talking about retention. 1.Expectation 2.Advice 3.Support 4.Involvement 5.Learning

Student Retention Expectation Set the bar high in the classroom Expect them to succeed Let the student know that they can succeed Advice Provide clear and consistent information about what is required Give the student solid advising concerning the choices they need to make for their chosen program of study Provide them with a map that shows them how to complete the goals Show them how this map can also help the achieve their personal goals

Student Retention Support Provide the student with the academic, social and personal support they need to succeed In class inform the students about services that are available at the college to help them Involvement Encourage your students to be more involved in the class Make them feel they are a valued member of the group

Student Retention Learning Develop an environment that encourages learning Create learning communities that have the students actively involved in their own learning For first year college students use groups to engage them Do not let the students feel isolated and on their own in the learning process

Faculty Influence on Student Retention Faculty members are on the front-line Interact with students frequently and are likely to be among the first to notice signs that a student is disengaging from college Recognize the warning signs and take action to prevent losing the student This is an opportunity for college professors to take the lead in recreating the college learning experience in ways that are more supportive and effective

Some Ideas For Faculty Create an inclusive classroom Classroom management Interaction with students outside of the classroom

Create an Inclusive Classroom An inclusive classroom is one in which students feel they belong and that it is safe for them to express their personal beliefs without a fear of ridicule or rejection First lay down some ground rules for the classroom mutual respect that no one is better or worse in the classroom all are equal and all opinions are welcome materials need to be from different perspectives Invite students to share their viewpoints on relevant information

Create an Inclusive Classroom Encourage the students to discuss ideas from other cultures Create topics of discussion that lead to critical thinking about other people and cultures Listen intently to students' comments and opinions Add to their ideas Show them how to make their ideas more correct Incorporate the ideas into the topic you are discussing Let the students know that it is ok to disagree with an opinion (even yours) as long as it is done with respect

Classroom Management Learn the name of each student as quickly as possible and use the student's name in class Determine the atmosphere you want in your classroom Informal:Call the students by their first name Formal:Call the students using Mr. Mrs. Miss, Ms.

Classroom Management In the first class Let the students know that they can succeed in your class Show them that you are willing to help in groups or individually Point out ways in which this course can help them in their careers and personal life Praise the students abilities and outside knowledge Use different instructional materials in the classroom, don’t just be a “Sage on a Stage” Inform the students that if they have a major change in their personal lives, work schedules, child care, etc. that they need to talk to you before dropping the class. You can make alternative arrangements if possible Have students fill out an index card with relevant information Encourage the students

Classroom Management If a student is absent contact them either through or a simple phone call Have your students create a buddy system so if they must miss a class they can get notes and assignments from each other Move around the classroom when lecturing and interacting Make a point to talk to each student individually sometime during the semester Give the students a mid-term grade and clear instructions on what needs to be done if improvement is needed

Outside of the Classroom Set office hours, let the students know what they are and abide by them If a student cannot meet you during office hours have them make an appointment for a time that is convenient for you both (be flexible) If you pass one of your students in the hall speak with them ask them about their other classes and how things are going for them Go to the cafeteria have lunch sit with the students if possible Get involved in student activities on campus, sponsor a club or go to an event

Outside of the Classroom Sponsor a group discussion outside normal class hours for students across the department Introduce students to others you know that have similar interests Develop internships for students with stakeholders you know in the community

Conclusion Faculty is on the front line of student retention The smallest bit of encouragement/acknowledgement may come at just the right time Create a learning community of your students Make them feel they are missed when they are not around Give them the knowledge that they can succeed and attain their goals

Resources Bowen, William, Chingos, Matthew, & McPherson, Michael. (2009.) Crossing the Finish Line: Completing College at America’s Public Universities. New Jersey: Princeton University Press. Tinto, Vincent Taking Student Retention Seriously: Syracuse University