Retention in Baylor’s School of ECS Rishi Sriram Student Success Specialist April 28, 2006
Overview Retention before the ECS Living-Learning Center A look at the ECS-LLC and other initiatives Retention after the first year of the ECS-LLC New retention initiative Challenges and questions
Retention before the ECS-LLC Freshman yearComp. ScienceEngineering %53% %53% %47% %58% %61%
Engineering & Computer Science Living-Learning Center August 2004 New North Village Two primary goals: Academic community of support Relationship with faculty outside of class Implementation: Faculty in residence, unique programming, facilities conducive to learning
Other ECS Initiatives Success 4 Students Led by Dr. Walter Bradley Cohesiveness in curriculum Led by Professor Bill Booth Faculty emphasis on retention
Retention after the LLC: Year One Freshman yearComp. ScienceEngineering %54% %79%
New Retention Initiative Fall 2005 – University-wide retention initiative Purpose: help those students capable of succeeding turn things around after rough starts Help students who do not have the aptitude for ECS find a major where they can be successful
Early Alert System 1. Faculty referral 2. Student Success Specialist (SSS) notified 3. Meeting 4. Contract 5. Follow up to referral 6. Phone call – one week 7. – two weeks 8. Student initiated online form
Praise from Noel-Levitz October 3, 2005 report from Noel-Levitz to Baylor University: “Finally, adapt the very innovative and highly effective model developed by ECS for intervening successfully with students needing additional support and enrichment”
Tutoring Two tutors, four nights a week One computer science, one engineering Free to students No appointment necessary Some students “forced to go” by contract
Facilities that Foster Learning North Village study rooms Heritage House study rooms Heritage House lounge upgrades
Not Done Yet Only one data point (Fall 2004 freshmen) Will the increased retention sustain? Are we still missing students who need help? What else can we do to improve retention?