WASC Home > CPR Reports
Back

Student Development Planning Goal #2
1998-2006

1. What is a visionary goal that your unit set?

Improve undergraduate student retention and maintain gains that are made.

2. What information and data did you use to set this goal?

The University data on student retention and graduation rates

3. What actions did you take to try to reach this goal?

  • In 1997, the President appointed Dr. Gordon Golsan, VP of Student Development, to revamp and coordinate New Student Orientation (NSO). The NSO effort encompasses the entire campus. The first revised NSO was offered to incoming students in Fall, 1998.
  • The composition of freshmen residence halls has been substantially altered. In addition to a Resident Director and Resident Assistants, each hall is staffed with Covenant Group leaders, and Peer Educators. In addition to student leaders, halls are composed of approximately 30% sophomores.
  • A member of Student Development administration serves on the First Year Experience Committee
  • Since research suggests that the first six weeks of one’s freshman year is crucial for engagement, numerous events targeting social and/or emotional development are offered both in the Residence Halls and for the entire campus.
  • The Office of Diversity and International Student Services was formed in 2003. The Director provides multiple types of support to Diverse and International students and advises MOSAIC clubs and organizations (Multi-cultural Opportunities for Students Actively Involved in Community).
  • Outdoor Leadership and Recreation leads a Wilderness Adventure course for incoming freshmen.
  • In 2003, Student Development reorganized and formed the “Engagement and Retention” unit. This unit is composed of those programmatic areas most closely aligned with assisting students in making meaningful connections at the University which will result in graduation. The Associate VP of Student Development leads this unit.
  • In 2004, the Student Care Group (SCG) was formed as a means of identifying and responding to students who are struggling. The SCG is composed of Student Development professionals. Referrals are sought from Faculty and Staff of students who appear to be struggling beyond normal developmental challenges. The SCG designs individualized, “low-key” interventions for these students.

4. What progress did you make?

Five year graduation rate has increased from 44% for the 1994 first year freshman cohort to 66% for the 1999 cohort.

5. What information and data did you use to evaluate your progress?

  • PLNU retention data for first year freshman
  • PLNU graduation rate data by cohort
  • Student Care Group semester by semester retention data
  • Student Development annual reports

Sample of Supporting Data

Table 3.2.1 Freshman Retention Rates
 Table 3.2.2 Freshman Graduation Rates