Blueprints for Retention: Broncho and Sooner Strategies for Graduation Success

1. Blueprints for Retention: Broncho and Sooner Strategies for Graduation Success Presenters: Becky Heeney, Director Graduation Office The University of Oklahoma beckyh@ou.edu Casey Partridge, Senior Graduation Counselor Graduation Office The University of Oklahoma cap@ou.edu Jay Corwin, Assoc. VP Enrollment Management University of Central Oklahoma jcorwin@uco.edu Autumn Brinegar, Learning Communities Coordinator University of Central Oklahoma abrinegar@uco.edu

2. Blueprints • University of Central Oklahoma The Compass Learning Community

3. 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

4. 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.

5. Blueprints • OU Graduation Office Sooner Success Program

6. Blueprints • OU Sooner Success Program • Improve retention and graduation at OU for a specific demographic of student • 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 • Individualized program where graduation coaches meet regularly with students • Coaches will meet their students throughout the student’s time at OU.

7. Blueprints • OU Sooner Success • Entering freshmen • First-time, full-time students • High School GPA • SAT or ACT Scores • Requirement - Admissions Agreement

8. 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

9. Results 2008 Cohort 105 Students Fall to Spring Retention 97% Fall to Fall Retention 76% 2009 Cohort 182 Students Fall to Spring Retention 90% Fall to Fall Retention 80% 2010 Cohort 197 Students Fall to Spring Retention 93.4%

10. 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 2.50 2.57

11. Blueprints • University of Central Oklahoma Operation Degree Completion

12. Operation Degree CompletionUCO • Dedicated advisor! • Reviews old files • Lists of almost graduates • Hand Holding!

13. 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

14. 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

15. Income? • 3731 credit hours at a conservative (all in-state and not including most fees) $145 per hour. • $540,995

16. Tools for Constructing Sooner Success OU Graduation Office -Retention and Graduation Outreach Effort Sampling • Leaver Outreach • OU Cares • Continuing Student Outreach

17. Results Leaver Outreach Rich Data on Reasons for Leaving Some Students are Returning OU Cares Connecting students to support services Short-term coaching experience

18. Results Continuing Student Outreach 2004 201 students contacted 126 students expected to graduate on time 61 needed assistance No additional staffing costs Every 36 students raises the graduation rate by 1%

19. 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