The postsecondary attrition rate for American Indian students is higher than of any other racial or ethnic group. It is therefore imperative to identify factors that encourage their persistence in higher education. Employing a phenomenological approach, this study explored the experiences of American Indian college students in a peer-mentoring…

This position paper was written to answer a series of basic questions frequently asked about attrition and retention at Empire State College (ESC), New York. The questions addressed in the report are: (1) What is the attrition rate at ESC? (2) How does ESC's attrition rate compare to other colleges? (3) Who are the leavers? (4) When does attrition…

Addressing residential administrators, describes the development of a retention program within a university housing organization, either in conjunction with, or separate from, a campus-wide retention program. Discusses preformation issues, initial formation, assessing available data, defining target groups, developing and implementing strategies…

Investigated types of self-reported problems encountered by college students (N=151) on academic probation. Suggests that institutions of higher education examine education, financial, social and personal factors which contribute to academic difficulty and begin to develop programs which lessen attrition, particularly in the area of adjustment to…

This brochure describes the AASCU/Sallie Mae National Retention Project's goals, beginnings, continuing work, and participants. An introduction describes how the Project has resulted in over 370 state institutions looking closely at their effectiveness in student learning and achievement and at emerging accountability requirements. An overview…

Suggests that college administrators redirect their attention from studying attrition rates to enacting retention strategies based on responding to student needs and providing a more meaningful educational experience. Several studies dealing with the development of retention programs are reviewed. (JAC)

Most college and university retention programs do little to change the quality of academic experience for students, especially during the first critical year of college. One of the most promising reforms is establishment of "learning communities," which feature block scheduling to enable students to take classes together, are organized…

A Student Retention Committee was formed at the University of Oregon in 1979 to identify probable causes of attrition and to suggest corrective action. A number of existing supportive programs and factors were found, and suggestions included directing greater resources to nontraditional students, in both admissions outreach and campus support…

Describes the benefits of mentoring for African-American male students. Profiles six successful mentoring programs, highlighting the success of the Faculty Mentor Program at the University of Louisville. Presents eight recommendations for viable, effective mentoring programs to promote the retention, academic achievement, and leadership…

Focuses on the special challenges and benefits college athletes encounter. This in-depth study of 31 male athletes (part of an ongoing survey of 2,395 African-American students) points to the need for supported and structured programs. Offers three effective models for organizing initiatives to retain African-American male student athletes. (EMK)

An information systems approach to instruction to reduce freshman attrition at Morehead State University is described. The diagnostic-prescriptive approach to alleviate the cause and effect of developmental lag has provided an educational plan to ameliorate the low academic functioning of students and increase their intellectual development. (MLW)

This paper describes a multi-faceted approach to improving student retention at an urban public university. It is noted that the students at this institution are older, working people; few live on campus and participate in what would be considered traditional student experiences. The paper examines the physical setting and external environment;…

The Supplemental Instruction (SI) program of the University of Missouri-Kansas City addresses attrition by providing academic support in courses that are high risk for students. The program contains a number of innovative features, for example: high risk courses are identified instead of high risk students, and everyone in those courses is offered…

Examines the role of planned mentoring and claims that it can increase retention and graduation rates of culturally diverse students. Addresses causes of minority students' attrition rates and delayed graduation. Argues greater student/faculty contact can solve academic and nonacademic problems. Discusses development and administration of…

A program was developed at Mercy College, Detroit, to reduce attrition among conditionally admitted, full-time (CAFT) students--about one quarter of entering students at this small, urban, four-year college. The very high attrition rate among CAFT students (95%) was found to be unrelated to academic performance or program quality, and solutions to…