Student Retention and Retention Information Systems in Higher Education

Abstract

Student persistence and retention within the higher education system has been a concern on a broad scale and on a university scale for a long time. Information systems have only just begun to gain traction as another solution for student retention, but they are being proven to be extremely effective. Traditional retention methods such as academic assistance, skills training, student clubs, and other on-campus resources can only go so far. Student retention information systems offer a new dimension within university student retention: these information systems gather, analyze, and report persistence data to academic advisors, professors, and other faculty and staff so that university representatives can proactively help students who are at-risk of dropout or academic failure. Traditionally, these support systems have only been able to identify at-risk students based on academics –but there is much more to persistence. Student retention systems enable parties around campus to identify at-risk students based on metrics far beyond academic success. These systems also offer collaboration between supporters, so advisors are armed with a multitude of information before intervention. I believe that CampusLabs offers an excellent student retention system, Beacon, which will help our university improve academically, financially, and socially through improved student retention.