Retention is strong focus

UNT has experienced great success in increasing enrollment, and we have every indication that the trends will continue. Yet, although new enrollments are booming, retention rates continue to be a challenge. We are working diligently to retain and graduate more students through a large number of new initiatives. Student satisfaction and retention are as important to the university as the admissions process, from both the business and human resource perspectives.

We currently retain about 70 percent of our freshmen into their sophomore years, and about 35 percent of freshmen stay to graduate within six years. Our freshman retention rate is fairly consistent with many urban institutions, but the university, as well as the students, could greatly benefit from an increased rate. The majority of students leave for non-academic reasons — and retention rates increase when we improve the quality of student life and learning. In addition, satisfied and committed students tend to become strong alumni of the university.

In order to improve the student retention, satisfaction and graduation rates, the division of student development has implemented a number of new initiatives, including the new Learning Center designed to assist all students with developing fully their academic skills. The center has added a comprehensive mentoring program and is providing enhanced career services for students and alumni both on campus and via the web. The center's newly created supplemental instruction program, in which students who have done well in a class are hired to sit in on the class and then "reteach" the course to other students, has proven to be highly effective in the academic success and retention of students.

We are very proud of the fact that we have successfully implemented a recruitment program for National Merit Finalists; 14 finalists will be entering as freshmen this fall. The university has increased the number of scholarships available for outstanding students and enhanced web services for students, especially for admission and financial aid activities.

We are increasing the diversity of our student body to include a higher percentage of African American, Hispanic and international students, and we are recruiting more academically prepared students. In addition, the Summer Success Bridge program, in which students are admitted on provisional status and are given intensive training over the summer, helps students who need additional assistance, and learning contracts are proving helpful for students with academic difficulties. Also, through the new Seeking Options and Solutions (SOS) program, students considering university withdrawal must first see the dean of students, who helps them explore their options.

Bonita C. Jacobs (jacobs@dsa.admin.unt.edu) is vice president for student development and assistant professor of counseling, development and higher education.

Other featured articles in this issue:

• Future UNT-Dallas campus chosen as site of Olympic Village for Dallas 2012 proposal
• Staff to address graduates during Aug. 12 ceremony
• Scholarship available for Leadership Texas
• Parking permit deadlines approach; new payment plan implemented
• Librarian teaches art of old-fashioned bookbinding
• UNT names interim director for women's studies program
• Sidewalk work nears end
• Job hirers show bias against regional accents, study suggests
• Hawley studies sacred clothing of Amish, Mormons

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