College of Basic and Applied Sciences Advising/Retention Report

What is CBAS Presently Doing for Retention? Engagement Professional organizations Faculty open door policy Classes introducing the major Academics Living Learning communities Dual credit programs Tutoring opportunities Experiential learning experiences (study abroad) Use of technology in teaching (Facebook) Exit interviews for curriculum improvement Increased scholarships Curriculum reform Career Development Career fairs Job pipelines with business Capstone courses

What is CBAS Presently Doing Related to Advising? Have 4 full-time advisors in the college 2 advisors for 8 majors in the college 1 advisor for Aerospace 1 Advisor for the Pre-Health Professions More than 50% of faculty in college are involved in advising Additional Contact students to see why not registered Visit classes to announce “Priority Registration” College Advisors follow up on academic alerts as suggested by instructors All departments have completed 4 –year maps Mandatory or intrusive advising in some departments Increase in advising material online and in print Being advised by experts in your field Group advising - The college advisors are knowledgeable, readily available and an excellent resources for the students. Challenges Serving large number of students with a small advising staff More follow up/programing needed for students on academic probation Finding faculty available for advising in the summer No standardized advising training for faculty

Where has all This Effort got Us? Retention: Freshman ( )

Retention: Freshman by Major ( ) University Retention – 70.2% ; CBAS Retention Rate – 70.2%

CBAS Freshman Retention Rates

CBAS Degrees Conferred

Comparison Retention Data

Retention Conclusions Average freshman retention for CBAS is 70.2% (same as university); retention within majors in CBAS is 49.2%. Overall retention is similar to other colleges, but retention in majors is 4 th out of the 7 colleges. Freshman retention rates in the major range from a low of 23.1% in Chemistry to a high of 65.4% in Math. Retention rates for CBAS students returning to MTSU and return to MTSU in the same major have remain relatively stable since Number of degrees conferred by CBAS has been increasing since In comparison to our peer institutions we are at or above the average for freshman retention and graduation rates. Even though we have seen retention rates remain relatively stable and number of degrees conferred increase, the numbers illustrate a need to do a better job retaining students in the CBAS majors both at the freshman and junior levels.

College Initiatives to increase Retention and Improve Advising Retention Supplemental Instruction - is an academic support model that uses peer- assisted study sessions to improve student retention and success within targeted historically difficult courses. - $70,000 Freshman Forum - is a required course in each discipline designed for freshmen and transfer students majoring in one of the disciplines in the College of Basic and Applied Sciences to enhance their transition to Middle Tennessee State University by introducing them to their specific major, providing an overview of the major and core requirements, and addressing specific skill sets necessary for success in the major. – No Cost Advising Pre–Health Professions Advising Program - developing a multifaceted, well- organized approach to supplying students with much needed information and educating faculty on the nuances of advising pre-health professional students, students will more efficiently obtain the information they need to gain acceptance into professional health programs. - $50,000

Department Retention Ideas Engagement Travel money for faculty and students to travel to National Conferences and Meetings Create an Umbrella Committees to coordinate club activities within departments Install digital displays to advertise career and department activities Create student engagement rooms for reading, tutoring and study areas Increase the use of social media to update and engage the student community Create boot camps to prepare students for the college experience

Department Retention Ideas Innovative Programs Increase dual credit programs Increase women and minorities in underrepresented sciences (Harvey Mudd) Increase partnerships with community colleges Develop faculty student mentoring program Increase student research and travel grants; especially summer stipend programs Modify P/T guidelines to reward faculty who are engaging students in academic process Increase study abroad opportunities

Department Retention Ideas Academics Increase tutoring programs/supplemental instruction Revamp introductory courses to reduce D and F grades Investigate requiring admission into the major Develop Advisory Council (Boards) to help with curriculum improvement and internships Increase access to buildings and computer labs Investigate the development of additional degree programs, especially in the applied field Major specific introductory seminar courses or colloquium course Increase undergraduate research opportunities Increase experiential learning activities in major courses

Department Advising Ideas Advising Changes Investigate mandatory advising option Investigate mandatory advising at 75 credit hour Investigate the use of group advising Investigate the use of open door advising Develop advising maps for transfer students Workshops to educate faculty on advising Develop an evaluation process for student advising Have majors orientation session prior to first semester on campus Increase advising staff in the college

Conclusions The College of Basic and Applied Sciences’ vision of what the college is committed to in student retention is articulated in the following statement: By fostering a supportive and nurturing environment that emphasizes best practices in teaching effectiveness, student support and use of educational resources, the college strives to increase student achievement, leading to higher levels of retention and graduation. Emphasis is placed on developing students with higher levels of critical thinking and life skills that are important for academic and professional success.