Refocus & Retain The Roadway to Student Success Presented by: Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management Summer 2009 Cabinet Retreat Presented by: Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management Summer 2009 Cabinet Retreat
Retention Myths Reaching out to retain students begins after enrollment. A student’s decision to stay or leave a campus is made independently. Retention is all about financial aid. Students are forthright about their reasons for leaving school.
Retention Realities Retention begins during recruitment and continues throughout the student’s academic career. Retention efforts are most effective when families are included in the process. Retention is influenced by excellent support and service guided by “real” people and authentic experiences Retention is not easy and requires us to collaborate, advise, refer, and follow-through; we must be solution-oriented to avoid attrition.
General Persistence Theory
Students’ Decisions to Stay Financial Resources Academic Preparedness Social & Academic Integration Commitment to their Academic Goals Campus Climate
Taking Action Build meaningful relationships Share the NIU culture Value and praise students Get students involved Provide academic support Be mindful of cultural & family influences
The enemy of great, is good. Retention is a by-product of great people, programs & services
Taking Action Development of a division-wide retention plan What is already happening? How are these efforts being measured? Think… small changes, big impact! What can be immediately integrated? Think… small changes, big impact!
Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. William James
Questions?