Student retention is on the mind of virtually every college president in America. Heck, President Obama and the Department of Education are talking about retention like no other administration before. Have you heard about Obama’s proposed American Graduation Initiative? Or his proposal to spend $2.5 billion over the next five years on college completion? The reason is simple: for every student that stays in school, it’s a win financially for the student, the school, and society. For the average school, a modest boost in student retention equates to hundreds of thousands of dollars in increased revenues. The current economy is really driving this fact home like never before.

This issue of retention presents the opportunity of a lifetime to anyone working in a student services related role such as advising, counseling, tutoring, and, at a growing number of schools, Retention Services. If you or your department make a positive impact on retention now, when times are tough, your department may never be the same. Help your administration during the tough times, and they will remember your contribution. Help your students when they need help the most, and they will remember too! Not only remember, but those students will more than likely stay at your school. The Golden Rule of Student Retention.

In summary, the issue of student retention is a rare opportunity for student services departments to greatly increase their real and perceived contribution to the institution, especially in the eyes of school administrators. This could mean a number of things for you and your department: a bigger budget, better facilities, or maybe even a boost to your paycheck!

Mario Moore, CEO
GradesFirst