Theresa Ligon

Schools should have several avenues of communication open to students such as orientations, meetings, advising, newsletters, school groups and organizations such as a functioning student government association to give students continual updates on important school events and deadlines. 

Just showing up and being readily available to a student to discuss their difficulty can turn what would be a withdrawal into an actionable plan to keep that student enrolled. Taking the time to listen and create a custom plan of response can give a struggling student the boost they need to hang in there through a tough time. 

Stress comes in many forms, and impacts a student's ability to stay focused and positive on academic success. Students must feel that faculty and administrators care about their success to feel supported through stressful times.

Establishing a school-wide culture of retention support and responsibility is generally more effective that asking one person (admissions representatives) or group (faculty) to serve and monitor. Having an "all hands on deck" approach gives students a wrap-around effect of support and guidance and gives students multiple avenues of seeking the kind of help they want or need to avoid withdrawal.