NGU programs retain students
Posted by The Skyliner on February 4th, 2009Kyra Alexander
Staff Writer
Photo by Daniel Jamison / The Skyliner
In every college they calculate statistics called a retention rate. This is a rate based on full time college students of all years and is based on the number of students who were able to return and did so.
North Greenville employs Vlad Sabou, coordinator for student retention, to monitor these rates and help the school boost its numbers. He reported that our school’s retention rate is 87%. This figure includes the students who could not come back for bad grades, financial reasons and students being asked to leave, but does not include the excused cases such as leaving for the military, leaving for missions and death. It does not always mean they just do not want to come back. Sometimes, in cases of finance, they are not able.
“We have started a renewed effort to keep the students here,” Sabou said. Some of these efforts include an excessive absence early alert program, tutoring and other assistance from Student Services. The excessive absence early alert program is to try to inform students before they have missed too many classes, so that they can be warned before it is too late.
The tutoring program is to provide students with assistance so that they do not fall behind in their classes. Student Services has also revised their program and is trying to increase the number of available tutors. Also, if there are any doubts on the quality of the tutors, there is no need to worry. Each tutor must obtain a recommendation from the teacher for the course they are helping with, and they are required to be well prepared for each tutoring session.
Student Services is also renewing its effort to maintain clear and prompt communication with the students and keep them well informed on new classes and new degree programs.
“We are always growing and providing new majors,” Sabou said.
In addition, Student Services is offering more recreational activities to get all students more involved in campus life to encourage a sense of community and belonging so that they will want to continue at North Greenville for the duration of their college career.