1. Support Early Success in College Unity College initiatives to improve student retention

2. Current retention challenges  First generation students 2003 – 37%2004 – 38%  Each entering class is approximately 70% male. (A statistically at-risk group)  Non-selective admissions standards 20-30 student in SAGE program

3. Large 3 rd semester attrition rate  Statistics: Percent of first-year students that returned that returned 2001 – 57% 2001 – 57% 2002 – 57% 2002 – 57% 2003 – 74% 2003 – 74% 2004 – 61% 2004 – 61%

4. Programs currently in place  Learning Communities -Biology, English Comp. and freshmen seminar -Biology and Mathematics (Algebra/Trig.)  Unity Experience - 3 credit course for first-year students - 1 credit seminar for transfers  SAGE program - Student Academic Growth Experience - Support to facilitate a successful transition

5. New strategies and initiatives  Academic success course (spring) -for first-year students on academic probation  IDEaL Leadership course (spring) - Institute for Developing Leaders  Supplemental Instruction - Addressing at-risk freshmen courses

6. IDEaL Highlights  Students are nominated -110 nominations, 67 invites, 55 enrolled - Invitation letters sent to students and parents  Winter/Spring Workshop: –The Unity IDEaL: Leadership Workshop –Winter weekend retreat  Spring Travel Course: –The Unity IDEaL: Leadership Travel Course

7. Additional grant initiatives  Faculty Feedback Form  Student Experience Committee  Student Support Team  Revision of Advising Handbook  Student risk factor sheets  NSSE/FSSE survey participation