Megan Standiford

By having various means of communication, students will feel more engaged and likely to reach out to faculty and staff. These include newsletters, appreciation days, and suggestion boxes. Open communication is key for ensuring student success and retention.

The 8-step procedure listed allows for students to feel heard and not just another student. Showing interest in what's going on in their lives creates trust, which is important for increasing retention.

Acknowledging how the faculty affect both stagnation and erosion is an important aspect of ensuring that students stay with the program. Faculty can make or break student success by either adding to or reducing student stress.

Retention is a combination of student expectations and student satisfaction. Students will not want to stay at an institution that does not clearly outline everything they need to know prior to admission, nor will they want to stay if they do not feel like they are respected by faculty and staff. Creating an environment of respect where student opinions are valued is one of the keys to retention, which is something I hope to create with the students.