Instructors have a very important role in retention. Sometimes it is difficult to connect with students because instructors teach so many classes. I like to use the Dear Teacher letter as a means to connect. This is just a weekly writing telling me how their week has been and they are allowed to write about anything. They also ask me questions and I answer them, making the letters more personal. This way I get to learn about issues they are having and they feel a connection to me. Sometimes you just have to ask. Like the reading said, many students wait until it is too late to ask for help.