For schools to communicate that student retention is valued, a program must be instituted that communicates this to students. D'Aprix's model of communication is a planned, systematically implemented communications program aimed at distributing messages of genuine value. This proactive stance can be used to develop programs increasing student…

Describes a research study undertaken to determine the relationship between the educational expectations of college freshmen and voluntary college withdrawal and persistence at Boston State College. Findings indicate sound academic counseling and planning is essential to student retention. (Author/BEF)

Describes Canisius College's efforts to improve student retention over a seven-year period. Includes research data for freshman-to-sophomore attrition figures and graduation rates. Focuses on alliances and agreements that have created the ground for college-wide cooperation in retention. Describes nine intervention strategies implemented at…

Logistic regression is employed to develop a model that enhances early identification of freshmen at risk of attrition. Independent variables employed to predict attrition include demographics; high school experiences; and attitudes, opinions, and values as reported on a survey administered during freshman orientation. Model and results are…

Examines the effects of an intrusive advising program on the attrition rate of college freshmen and sophomores. Identifies reasons students drop out and outlines an advising program used at Western New Mexico University. Results showed the intrusive advising program to be effective in reducing attrition rates. (BH)

Examined 600 student and 300 faculty perceptions of the environment at the University of Wyoming as it relates to student retention and attrition. Results suggest that perceptions of persistors and subsequent dropouts differ less than expected. (TE)

Examines black student culture at a predominantly white liberal arts and engineering university. Using questionnaires and a theory of interpersonal environments, looks at values, beliefs, academic orientation to the college, and the interactions of black students. Findings raise issues relevant to retention services and to institutional responses…

To determine reasons for leaving college, interviews were conducted with 108 undergraduate students who dropped out of an historically black university. Responses from the retention study were used to develop an action program designed to retain enrolled students and to help nonreturning students adjust to their new status. (Author/NB)

Multiple discriminant analysis is an effective research tool to approach the problem of student attrition. Using this method, the small, liberal arts college can more accurately identify students who are likely to persist. Academic achievement and nonacademic variables are coupled to enhance the power of discriminant analysis. (RC)

Maintains retention is the most cost-effective way to address the declining student population. Discusses factors associated with student persistence toward graduation. Effectively promoting student involvement in a program is the key issue, particularly for freshmen. Recommendations regarding the role of student services in retention include…

This survey of accredited Registered Nurse Baccalaureate Degree programs in the United States sought to determine the status of retention efforts at these institutions. Results showed that the presence of retention programs at colleges and universities with nursing programs increased the retention rate significantly. (TE)

Presents a model to help student personnel administrators develop cost effective approaches for improving student retention, based on the marketing process. The marketing model can be used to systematically respond to the needs of students, faculty, and the community. Outlines retention tactics at Prince Georges Community College. (JAC)

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)

Descriptive data from a questionnaire completed by 1610 freshmen at a community college were used to identify potential dropouts. High school average, curriculum, reasons for going to college, certainty of occupational objectives, parental attitudes toward college, and college rating were significantly related to intention to persist. (RC)

Argues that precollegiate programs can increase minority access to and success in higher education. Describes eight precollegiate programs and their success in enabling minority students to qualify for college admittance and successfully complete their degree programs. (Author/CM)