Academic and social integration together with timely intervention can increase retention. Professors and staff must recognize signals that could indicate students are dealing with situations affecting their learning process and therefore graduation rates,
("The graduation ceremony should be fun and inspiring event for graduates. They worked hard to reach this point.")
I've learned that instructors/faculty are important in the retention experience. Instructors who are positive, and engaging, and show their commitment contribute to retention at a school. Students engaged in social and academic activities are more likely to commit themselves to completing their program. I think creating more activities for students to interact with each other will be vital to retention.
Comment on Donna Duncan's post: Its also important for them to know their boundaries as well however.
Early and frequent intervention is essential to improving retention among struggling students. Bonding with classmates as they face their fears together, and succeed, will create lasting bonds and increase their willingness to persist onward, together. Our Registrars make every effort to keep cohorts and study groups together, class by class, whenever it is possible for this very reason. Inviting students to assist in the planning of their graduation ceremony is a great integration tool as well. Announcing graduation in local publications, and even the hometowns papers of those who have relocated or commute for school, can instill additional pride and confidence in their achievements.
