Retention Update from Sue Jones

As part of its Strategic Plan, the College has dedicated resources to its enrollment, including admission, marketing and retention. Aspiring to surpass our peer institutions, the Strategic Plan includes a goal of freshman to sophomore retention of 88% by 2013.  To achieve this goal, in April 2009, President MacDonald appointed the Retention Committee, a group consisting of faculty and administrators from Student Affairs, Academic Affairs and Enrollment.  In 2009-2010 and 2010-2011, the Retention Committee and various sub-committees known as “Retention Teams,” worked with consultant Teresa Farnum.

2009-2010
The characteristics of students leaving LVC were analyzed and target groups that might benefit most from retention efforts were identified.  These target groups were 1) All students, 2) ALANA students, 3) Freshmen, and 4) Transfers.  Work groups convened to address the needs of these populations in both the academic and student affairs areas.   

The following initiatives were implemented:
·         improved communication with and orientation of transfer students
·         offering COL 101 to underperforming students in spring semester
·         customer service training opportunities offered to the campus community

2010-2011
The Retention Committee, still working with Teresa Farnum, assembled and organized “Retention Teams” around three major areas of concern:  1) Advising, 2) Academic Preparedness and 3) Community Support/Connections.  Efforts remained focused on the at-risk groups identified in the previous year.  

Initiatives in stages of review or being proposed include the following:
·         improved use of diagnostic and placement testing
·         initiatives to assist open majors with career decisions
·         enhancement of advising resources
·         use and marketing of support services such as Peer Tutoring and the Writing Center including adding a
      more robust online presence
·         exploration of a First Year Experience
·         a summer bridge program targeting athletes and ALANA students
·         purchase of a retention software tool enabling identification of at-risk students with efficient
      communication and tracking capabilities
·         improving Early Alert activity and communication

In January, I became the Coordinator of Student Retention, working with Student Affairs, Academic Affairs and Enrollment to oversee retention efforts and facilitate communication between Retention Teams and the Retention Committee.  I look forward to answering any questions, hearing ideas and working with faculty and staff to assist our students as they persist to graduation.   .