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COMPREHENSIVE. A. RETENTION. STRATEGY. - FOR -. INTERNATIONAL. STUDENTS. COMPREHENSIVE. A. RETENTION. IS IT EVEN. POSSIBLE?. STRATEGY. - FOR -. INTERNATIONAL. STUDENTS. Takeaways An understanding of existing student retention theory
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COMPREHENSIVE A RETENTION STRATEGY - FOR - INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
COMPREHENSIVE A RETENTION IS IT EVEN POSSIBLE? STRATEGY - FOR - INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Takeaways An understanding of existing student retention theory Ability to identify key resources to implement your retention strategyA reference of best practices to inform your institutional efforts TOGETHER ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
Perspective (noun): a way of regarding situations or facts and judging their relative importance
Domestic StudentRetention Theory THEORY OF STUDENT INVOLVEMENT Stresses the importance of student involvement, such as “the amount of physical and psychological energy that the student devotes to the academic experience” in development. Emphasized co-curricular involvement Legitimized Student Affairs profession Retention v. Persistence Alexander Astin
Domestic StudentRetention Theory THEORY OF STUDENT INVOLVEMENT PROS CONS Relies on a desire for physical and psychological interaction Involvement is on a continuum Measurable both qualitatively and quantitatively Students must be actively engaged in their environment Int’l students may be more academically focused Requires physical and psychological energy Amount of learning relies on level of engagement
Domestic StudentRetention Theory MODEL OF INSTITUTIONAL DEPARTURE Identifies major sources of student departure. Without being able to integrate successfully into these areas, students were less likely to persist toward degree attainment: academic performance faculty & staff interactions extracurricular activities peer interactions Vincent Tinto
Domestic StudentRetention Theory MODEL OF INSTITUTIONAL DEPARTURE PROS CONS Recognizes faculty support to improve retention efforts Recognizes need for academic and social integration Recognize importance of international efforts to retain students Studies on White, Middle Class, Domestic Students How are faculty equipped to support international students? Doesn’t tell institutions how to integrate academic and social involvement Access to myriad of support systems outside campus
Domestic StudentRetention Theory MATTERING & MARGINALITY Schlossberg argues that a sense of belonging is an influential factor in whether student succeeds and develops in college. Mattering: “our belief, whether right or wrong, that we matter to someone else” Marginality: A sense of not fitting in, lead to feelings of depression, irritability and insecurity, and a sense of not mattering. Nancy Schlossberg
Domestic StudentRetention Theory MATTERING & MARGINALITY Five components of mattering: Attention (feeling noticed) Importance (feeling cared for) Ego extension (affirmation) Dependence (feeling needed) Appreciation (feeling valued)
Barriers forInternational Students Low academic preparation Limitations on financial support Parents as primary sources of funding English as a Second Language Social interaction with domestic students Confidence navigating US culture Time management with work and studies Challenge adjusting from competitive or passive educational systems to a cooperative one Understanding of academic expectations Size of co-national student group Family status in host country Previous cross-cultural experience Discrimination
Best Practices LEADERSHIP & ADMINISTRATION Approachability of campus leaders Hosting presenters with global outlook Space and facilities (multi-faith prayer room, lounge, kitchen, global house) Addressing institutional silos Global institutional partnerships FACULTY & CURRICULUM Internationalized curriculum Interdepartmental communication Learning & living communities Frequent academic advising Study groups
Best Practices SOCIAL INTEGRATION Welcoming students before arrival to campus Int’l Student mentoring program (iBuddy) Partnering with domestic students, study abroad Int’l Student newsletter Visual art displays Student led language workshops STUDENT ACTIVITIES Cultural dinner, Int’l Education Week Student diversity training (iGroup) Conversation partners Knowing your population presentation Programs to strengthen community ties and national identity
Best Practices ASSESSMENT Exit interview Mission & Learning Outcomes Intercultural competency assessment Observation rubrics, focus groups End of program surveys
HUSSAINI HANGING BRIDGE Borit Lake, Pakistan
Discussion HOW TO CREATE A COMPREHENSIVE RETENTION STRAGEGY Take a moment to do an individual inventory of retention best practices in the following categories for your institution: Leadership & Administration Faculty & Curriculum Social Integration Student Activities Assessment Assess what’s working well, what could be improved, and what you have questions about.Identify key influencers (staff, faculty, students) to help implement your best practices. Think about what is measurable and achievable. Get ready to share.