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Enhancing First-Year Student Retention: Insights and Strategies from October 2008 Discussions

In October 2008, the Faculty Council and Board of Trustees convened to discuss the significant challenges faced in improving first-year student retention. Survey results revealed that only 21% of students felt satisfied with their academic experience, highlighting the need for a robust action plan. Key focus areas included increasing the level of academic challenge, improving course staffing, and refining student advising. The discussions led to the proposal of twenty-four new First-Year Experience courses aimed at better engagement and support for students, ultimately enhancing their transition to college life.

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Enhancing First-Year Student Retention: Insights and Strategies from October 2008 Discussions

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  1. FYSE Discussions Timeline 2008-2009

  2. October 2008 Faculty Council Survey FYSE 101 21 percent Satisfied or Very Satisfied FYSE 102 11 percent Satisfied or Very Satisfied

  3. October 2008Board of Trustees Meeting Charged the administration to develop an action plan for retention Financial Aid Academics Admissions Student Life Athletics

  4. October - November 2008 The academic part of the retention plan? Revising the First-Year Program Provost and Assistant Dean for First Year Seminar and Advising

  5. Why Focus on the First Year? • First to Second Year retention is the basis of the graduation rate • First Year Programs target retention • NSSE 2008 – Concern about LAC, especially among first-years

  6. Level of Academic ChallengeNSSE Benchmarks 2008

  7. What does LAC have to do with retention? • The vast majority of students who leave the College are in good academic standing. • Some mentioned the lack of academic rigor, honors program or opportunities for higher achieving students.

  8. FYSE Problems to Solve 1. Level of Academic Challenge (LAC) 2. Staffing the courses 3. Ensuring quality advising

  9. Problems to Solve: Staffing FYSE competes with Gen Ed and Majors An FYSE course is required but serves no other curricular functions

  10. FYSE

  11. Problems to Solve: Improve Advising Load Compromises Quality Advising • MC’s four-course load • 18 freshmen advisees • Some FYSEs are taught as overload

  12. Advising and Retention • Some raised concerns about not being able to engage with their advisor and faculty. • Student Faculty Interaction for First-Years • SFI for First-Years shows widest variation • (Pedagogy Workshop, January 2009)

  13. Enhance the Quality of Advising • One-to-one “just in time” mentoring • Major declaration and career planning • Referrals: ARC, Career Center, Counseling • Enrollment and scheduling

  14. December 2008 – January 2009 Assistant Dean, Suzanne Walker, meets with departments: What if we designate pre-existing courses as First-year?

  15. February 2009 Department Chairs Meeting Provost describes FYE concepts Posted also to WebCt Faculty Forum Asks departments to consider by proposing courses for FYE

  16. March 2009 • Twenty-four FYE Courses Proposed • Many linked in Learning Communities • First-Year Advisory Committee asks faculty to approve two experimental years

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