Retention in Higher Education: Faculty and Student Perceptions of Retention Programs and Factors Impacting Attrition Rates

N

62

Community Colleges; School Holding Power; Dropout Prevention; Program Evaluation; Computer Literacy; Academic Advising; School Orientation; Student Surveys; College Faculty

The purpose of this study was to examine faculty and student perceptions of what factors are contributing to drop-out rates in a Northern Indiana higher educational facility and to study whether or not the drop-out prevention programs that are in place are effective. Survey links were sent out to all adjuncts and some full-time faculty at a local community college. Survey links were also sent out to academic skills advancement students. Results indicated that faculty members are fulfilling their duties as instructors of higher educational facility and are willing to help those students who are in need of support. Results from the first t-test also indicated a disparity in the level to which students and faculty feel that the New Student Orientation is impacting student success as well as a lapse in the quality of academic advisory. Descriptive results indicated that both faculty and students agree that a computer literacy program should be implemented. Based on the results, educators believe that a review of academic advisory plans and an implementation of a computer literacy course along with the current New Student Orientation course must be a mandatory part of a student's academic plan within their first year as a new student. These qualitative and quantitative results provide insight into the impact of retention programs. Appended are: (1) Faculty Survey; and (2) Student Survey. (Contains 16 tables.)

As Provided

24

2011

ED521416