Murray State University Retention Plan – How the Business Office Effects Retention

Murray State University Retention Plan – How the Business Office Effects Retention Presented by: Anita Poynor – Bursar/Assistant Director for Student Services Accounting Murray State University

Retention Timeline • A comprehensive strategy of services and follow-up with students to assist with academic and social adjustment and problems.

Retention Alert Program • A system for faculty to send a Retention Alert Form to the Retention Office when a student is missing class or doing poor academic work.

Parent/Family Information • A “Parents” link on the MSU homepage which contains helpful information and critical academic dates. The link includes a 1-800 number for parents to make personal contact with the Office of Student Affairs. Also, a FERPA release is available for students that permits communication with family members when a Retention Alert has been received.

Residential Colleges • Murray State University is the only public university in the United States to have a fully implemented residential college system. Each college has a Faculty Head who works closely with students to help them succeed in college. Tutoring, academic teams, educational programs, and honor societies are integral parts of each residential college.

Freshman & Sophomore Focus Groups • Freshman Focus Groups: These groups meet four times each semester provide freshmen with the opportunity to discuss any concerns or issues. • Sophomore Focus Groups: These groups met three times per semester to discuss lessons learned, their transition from freshman year, and make recommendations to improve the freshman year experience.

Junior & Senior Contacts • MSU’s Career Services contacts juniors and seniors to assist them with career selection and resume development.

Veterans Services • MSU has dedicated staff and space to assist returning veterans with adjustment, persistence, and degree completion.

Summer Orientation • The summer program introduces new students to college life and academic requirements.

Great Beginnings Program • MSU welcomes its new freshmen and first-time transfer students at the beginning of the school year with its Great Beginnings Program. The focus of the program is to assist students with adjustment to college and provide information to help students succeed.

Freshman Orientation Classes • The “Transitions” class is a semester-long course taken by all students. This class is a general introduction on how to be successful in college and also provides a focus on he academic major(s) chosen by students.

Upper-class Mentors • The First Year Leader (FYL) Program has upper-class mentors assigned to 12-15 new students. The FYL works with and maintains contact through the first six weeks and after mid-term grades are posted. It is the hope of the university---and encouraged during their training---that each FYL will continue to be a leader, mentor, and “go to” friend on a long-term basis.

Racer Advantage • Racer Advantage is a needs-based scholarship and a portion of these grant dollars are made available for returning students.

Freshman Contact • All Freshmen are contacted by the Student Affairs Office at the end of the first six weeks to assess their adjustment to college.

Special Emphasis Groups • These are follow-up procedures to assist specific populations who are at high risk for failure or who have withdrawn from school but are close to degree completion.

Second Eight-Week Classes • A significant number of second eight-week classes are scheduled for students who need to drop a class due to poor grades. These classes allow students to remain full-time and prevent interruption of financial aid.

Academic Restoration Plan • Academic advisors are asked to meet with students on academic warning or probation to develop an academic plan with specific strategies to help them improve their grades and return to having good academic standing.

Academic Review – Last Chance • This program allows students who are on a first suspension status to attend summer school to improve their overall grade point average and be able to return in the fall semester.

Expansion of retention and graduation efforts as recommended by the President’s Commission on Retention to be implemented in 2012 • Establishment of the Center for Advising and Student Success • Employment of a full-time retention specialist • Creation of a centrally-located advising kiosk • Implementation of MapWorks, a system designed to provide faculty with early alerts to assist students

Bursar’s Office Communication Plan • Semester postcard – Important Dates • Series of email prior to semester due dates • Phone Blast • Contact during the semester to assist students that miss one of their monthly payments

Bursar’s Office • Scheduling hold policy has been changed to allow students to schedule for future semester with an outstanding balance • Flexible online payment plans – based on student’s needs • Special assistance to student with financial problems

Bursar’s Office • Freshman Orientation Classes- a proposal has been submitted to the Provost Office to include a financial literacy section • Education on myGate – Money Tab – Powerpoint containing screen shot and instruction • Online test that will be graded by the staff of the Bursar’s Office

Questions Anita Poynor apoynor@murraystate.edu http://www.murraystate.edu/Admissions/BursarsOffice.aspx

Murray State University Retention Plan – How the Business Office Effects Retention