Over the last ten to fifteen years, higher education has learned a lot about what makes student retention programs successful. As with Treisman's original study, it is necessary to understand in depth the problem of student attrition before constructing or importing a solution. Each campus needs to create a comprehensive plan, based on an analysis of local data, which builds on the campus' acknowledged strengths and which addresses its own particular needs. This plan may incorporate multiple approaches, including campus-wide, dormitory-based, and departmental programs.
Encouraging student persistence is far too important a responsibility to be delegated to a single campus office. Individuals in all parts of the university -- and in the broader community, as well -- should contribute to helping all our students persist and succeed in higher education.
Dr. Rose Asera Director of Research and Evaluation Charles A. Dana Center, University of Texas-Austin
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