Blueprints for Retention: Broncho and Sooner Strategies for Graduation Success

Becky Heeney, Director Graduation Office

The University of Oklahoma

beckyh@ou.eduCasey Partridge, Senior

Graduation Counselor Graduation OfficeThe University of

Oklahomacap@ou.edu

Presenters:

Jay Corwin, Assoc. VP Enrollment Management

University of Central Oklahomajcorwin@uco.edu

Autumn Brinegar, Learning Communities Coordinator

University of Central Oklahomaabrinegar@uco.edu

Blueprints

• University of Central Oklahoma

The Compass Learning Community

Tools for Constructing a Central Success:

The Compass Learning Community

Requirements•Students live together on the same floor •Co-enroll in 5 courses •Meet with coordinator throughout the year •Attend study sessions

Qualifications•Entering first-year student •SES•High school GPA•SAT or ACT scores •First-generation status•Rural background

Celebrating Central Success:

• 2007 - 2008 Cohort: 20 students, 80% first-generation, 18.5 average ACT. Retention Outcome: 55% enrolled in their fourth year, 3.17 average GPA Spring 2010. Only 50% of all FTFT 2007 students continued to their third year. Fourth year data is being compiled.

• 2008 - 2009 Cohort: 26 students, 76% first-gen., 17 average ACT, 10 undeclared, 19 high schools represented.Retention Outcome: 57% enrolled in their second year compared to 31% of the control group. 46% enrolled in their third year as compared to 26% of the control group, 2.5 average GPA Spring 2010.

• 2009 - 2010 Cohort: 40 students, 72% FG, 17.38 average ACT, 29 undeclared, 30 high schools represented.Retention Outcome: 67% enrolled in their second year, 2.07 average GPA Spring 2010.

• 2010-2011 Cohort:   40 students, 77% FG, 18 average ACT, 7 undeclared, 33 high schools represented.

Blueprints

• OU Graduation OfficeSooner Success Program

Blueprints

• OU Sooner Success Programo Improve retention and graduation at OU for

a specific demographic of studento Founded in research that suggests that

students persist and graduate at higher rates when they are able to establish an enduring relationship with a staff or faculty mentor

o Individualized program where graduation coaches meet regularly with

studentso Coaches will meet their students throughout

the student’s time at OU.

Blueprints

• OU Sooner Successo Entering freshmeno First-time, full-time studentso High School GPAo SAT or ACT Scoreso Requirement - Admissions

Agreement

Tools for Constructing Sooner Success

•A look at day to day operations

•The challenges we face

•Success we have experienced

•Vision as we move forward

Results2008 Cohort

105 StudentsFall to Spring Retention 97%Fall to Fall Retention 76%

2009 Cohort182 StudentsFall to Spring Retention 90%Fall to Fall Retention 80%

2010 Cohort197 StudentsFall to Spring Retention 93.4%

Results

2008 (103) 2009 (179) 2010 (193)

4.00—3.50 GPA 14% 10% 12%3.49—3.00 GPA 31% 24% 22%2.99—2.50 GPA 22% 27% 28%2.49—2.00 GPA 10% 16% 18%1.99—0.00 GPA 23% 23% 20%

Average GPA 2.60 2.502.57

Blueprints

• University of Central Oklahoma

Operation Degree Completion

Operation Degree Completion

UCO• Dedicated advisor!• Reviews old files• Lists of almost graduates• Hand Holding!

Since summer 2009 (as of 2/18)

• 290 students have a diploma

• 15 students are scheduled to complete by May 2011

• 590 total participants in program

• 3731 additional credit hours enrolled

Costs?

• One (experienced) advisor’s salary plus benefits varies among schools but figure $45,500 ($35K salary)

• Program running for 1.5 years so $68,250.00

Income?

• 3731 credit hours at a conservative (all in-state and not including most fees) $145 per hour.

• $540,995

Tools for Constructing Sooner Success

OU Graduation Office -Retention and Graduation Outreach Effort Samplingo Leaver Outreacho OU Careso Continuing Student

Outreach

Results

Leaver OutreachRich Data on Reasons for

LeavingSome Students are Returning

OU CaresConnecting students to

support servicesShort-term coaching

experience

Results

Continuing Student Outreach 2004

201 students contacted126 students expected to

graduate on time 61 needed assistance

No additional staffing costsEvery 36 students raises the

graduation rate by 1%

Design Duplication:It’s your turn!

• What’s your favorite retention programs on your campus?

• How does it work (30 second version)

• Who is the contact? Any contact information

• You will be sharing