Retention

It's the name of the university game, but how is it accomplished?

By Susan Williams

Once they've seen "Paree," how do you keep them down on the "farm" -- in general, this isn't the problem for university campuses, some of which can lose anywhere from 40 to 50 percent of their freshmen after one or two semesters. So the question becomes, "How do you make the sometimes overwhelming transition to college life more manageable so that freshmen stay to complete their educations instead of going home?"

With the largest class of newcomers in the history of the Indiana University Bloomington campus, the various retention programs in place face a big test. Past numbers showing increases in retention rates suggest that the programs will measure up.

Freund

Deborah Freund, vice chancellor for academic affairs and dean of faculties for Bloomington, reinforces the idea that these programs smooth transitions, but she also notes another goal.

"We aim to enhance the experience of undergraduates by taking away the artificial distinction between academics and social life," she said. "We want to introduce students to the community of learning that is here and to the idea that the total learning experience is seamless, that it goes on both inside and outside the classroom."

Photo by Heather Hill Becky Wilson (above left), a math tutor at the academic support center in Briscoe Hall, helps Julee Kragh (center) and Samantha Ferguson with finite math.

George Kuh, associate dean of faculties and professor of higher education, informally heads "Frosh_Up," (named after a listserv for the group). According to Kuh, the group has no formal membership and no official sanction but meets on a quasi-regular basis to share ideas on how to continually improve the undergraduate experience. Many of the ideas implemented are based upon what Kuh and his fellow School of Education researchers know to be the best retention practices.

"Our great challenge is shrinking a large campus psychologically so that students feel they have a niche," he said. "Then they can move out confidently to take advantage of all the campus has to offer. By all accounts, we're doing a pretty good job, but we can always do better."

Here's a roster of some IU programs designed to help new students feel at home:

Faculty and Staff for Student Excellence (FASE) Mentoring

Directed by June Cargile, FASE is heading into its sixth year with close to a 90 percent retention rate. FASE matches incoming students with an IU faculty or staff member and provides a friendly on-campus support structure. FASE was founded with students of color in mind but the program has expanded to include students of all races and many nationalities. FASE has 522 students now and could serve many more if those interested in mentoring would come forward. If you are interested, call 812-855-3540.

Groups Student Support Services

Groups will celebrate its 30th anniversary this fall with a homecoming weekend reunion of present and past students. Directed by Janice Wiggins, Groups was established for first-generation, low-income and disabled students and more than 8,500 students have participated. The oldest of the federally funded TRIO Programs located at public and private colleges, universities and technical schools in the state, Groups' retention rate follows a continuously upward trend. Retention from freshman to sophomore year for 1997 Groups students was 81.9 percent.

Freshman Interest Groups (FIGs)

In its first year, FIGs is serving 223 students. FIGs are groups of up to 20 first-year freshmen living near each other in the same residence hall and taking three courses together. The courses are grouped by theme. For example, FIG 6 -- "Communication and Human Behavior" -- is for Briscoe students who may major in speech and hearing, psychology, social work, exploratory, nursing and some allied health majors. FIG students also take a one-credit seminar designed to cover topics such as study skills, time management and cultural opportunities. Students are enrolled in 19 of the original 20 FIGS created. Those students will be tracked throughout their collegiate careers. FIGs is directed by Sarah Westfall.

Thematic communities

Students looking for a groups of friends and fellow students with interests in common gravitate to IU's thematic residence hall communities, headed by Bruce Jacobs, assistant vice chancellor for residential programs and services. For instance, artists flock to Wright Harney for its fine arts studio and darkroom. Briscoe Wellness Center offers a smoke-free environment with a state-of-the-art fitness facility, a quiet room, nutritional options and special programs. Among many others are communities for students interested in volunteer activity, living in an international environment, or for those who lower their housing costs in exchange for limited custodial tasks. Most residence centers also offer communities dedicated to general academic excellence.

Academic Support Centers (ASC)

Whether it's conquering math, pulling together a good composition, or mastering foreign language skills, the Academic Support Centers in Briscoe and Ashton residence halls are accomplishing exactly what they're supposed to -- help students make a successful transition from high school to college.The centers are open all day, and tutoring services are available from 7 p.m. to midnight. The centers have been packed this semester, with students looking for help with a variety of problems ranging from concepts in specific classes to advice about managing time. Last year the centers, under the direction of Ray Smith, assistant vice chancellor for instruction support services, clocked more than 7,500 visits by students.

Television math

A popular new retention feature this year is the televised Finite Show offering live help, via the campus broadcasting network, to the intricacies of finite mathematics. The instructor on the show is Steve McKinley, who has all the answers and takes E-mail or phone questions about specific problems. "The show is wildly popular," said Ray Smith, assistant vice chancellor for instructional support services. "It's designed to be funky and interactive."

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