Improving retention in an online environment encompasses making sure the student is supported, that the staff and faculty care, and they know who to contact and how. Students need to know the school cares about their success and their future.

Building trust and rapport is important to student retention. It is also important to communicate, listen and follow up.

A student's stress level is also affected by their perception of if they feel important and cared about in the classeoom and by the school. Keeping their eye on their big goals and dreams will help them persist.

I have learned that stuent retention is not just about keeping a student but creating a school culture of respect. The students also need to know where they can go for support.