Search

The paper presents the findings of a survey showing that higher education in the United States has made progress in implementing retention programs and policies since the late 1980s. However, the findings suggest that institutions still have a way to go in making larger-scale, institution-wide changes that will aid student persistence. The study found that less than 52 percent of responding institutions have identified a person on campus responsible for coordinating retention efforts. Less than 48 percent of the institutions have established a goal to improve first-to-second-year persistence. About a third have established a goal for improved degree completion. Institutions can start by having a more accurate view of incoming students' academic preparation and skills. INSET: 'What's Working' Recommendations.

The paper presents several reports related to recruitment and retention in higher education. "Latino Students and the Educational Pipeline: Pathways to the Bachelor's Degree for Latino Students," a report from the nonprofit group Educational Policy Institute, examines differences in the college persistence rates of Latino students and white students. Four reports from the Center for Institutional and International Initiatives at the American Council on Education (ACE) explore internationalization efforts at American colleges and universities. A survey by the American Council on Education reports that while American postsecondary institutions have made progress in serving low-income adult students, they could be doing more.