After reviewing the state of student retention research and practice, past and present, the author looks to the future and identifies three areas of research and practice that call for further exploration. These concern issues of institutional action, program implementation, and the continuing challenge of promoting the success of low-income…

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…

One university's approach to institutional research to improve student retention is described. The urban, public institution has a large population of nontraditional students. A task force identified barriers to student success, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Techniques for involvement of all constituencies and turning research…