The complex issue of student retention is a principal component of the access-retention-graduation mosaic and few other issues in higher education generate as much interest, argument, and inquiry from inside and outside the academy.  Review of the literature, however, confirms that any effective retention model must involve the entire university.  The director of orientation and retention works closely with Academic Affairs and Minority Student Affairs  in coordinating overall retention efforts and maintaining retention as a priority. 

A direct and immediate correlation exists between retention and campus climate, and while poor academic preparation and socio-economic status may be a barrier to matriculation, evidence is growing that for a substantial number of minority students, the poor quality of their life on majority campuses and their sense of isolation, alienation, and lack of support are more serious factors in attrition. 

Historically within the State System of Higher Education the average graduation rates for Caucasian students have been 60.8% and for African American students 35.6%.  At Slippery Rock University the graduation rate for Caucasians is 48.8% compared to 35.1% for African Americans.  The goal of the State System is to reduce the graduation disparity between African American and Caucasian students to no more than 10.4%. 

There are several important factors in the design of an effective retention effort that include:

• Assurance that all elements of the university recognize that effective equity group retention efforts invariably have a "ripple" effect, resulting in enhanced retention of all students;
• The importance of continuous collection and analysis of retention data;
• Implementation of proven retention programs; and
• The need for enhanced student tracking and collection of information regarding the specific factors which contribute to attrition and retention.

Several goals and strategies have been designed through the division of Academic Affairs Retention Office, the Division of Student Affairs, Offices of Residence Education, and Minority Student Affairs and Cultural Diversity  to address the issue of retention.    

The Office of Minority Student Affairs and Cultural Diversity will assist the university in the development and implementation of programs and services that address leadership, diversity, pluralism, and race relations by adopting the following goals and strategies.  

GOAL: Create a more welcoming nurturing campus climate in which all students can flourish.

STRATEGY   

• Continue sponsorship of diversity workshops for student leaders for the 1998-2000 academic year.
• Continue the focus on leadership at the annual Minority Student Retreat.
•  Continue to invite scholars who can enlighten the campus community on issues relating to diversity, pluralism, and cultural pride.
• Expand campus involvement during Black History Month, Black Arts Week, Martin Luther King Day Celebration and Latino Heritage Week.
• Sponsor diversity workshops/lectures for all official student organizations.
• Provide ongoing support workshops for students of color that address issues of racism, isolation, anger and fear which may be concern to our minority students.
• Continue support for Sister 2 Sister and Brother 2 Brother groups established to respond to issues specific to people of color.
  

GOAL: Expand the formalized mentoring program for minority students to involve more faculty, staff and alumni in an effort to support career goals, enhance personal confidence and enlarge the vision of minority students.

STRATEGY 

• Through university funding and a grant from the State System of Higher Education, select, train and educate faculty and staff as mentors to support and nurture students of color throughout their academic stay at Slippery Rock University. 

GOAL: Assist the university wide retention program. 

STRATEGY    

The Office of Minority Student Affairs and Cultural Diversity will assist retention efforts developed by the university to enhance the effectiveness of the following programs and services:

• Strongly encourage students to meet with advisors and others in developing a personalized academic plan.
• Strongly encourage students to take advantage of tutoring and other support services designed to help students achieve academic success.
• Continue to reinforce among students the necessity to accept and act upon those responsibilities required for academic success.
• Continue to counsel students and help them develop strategies for becoming more self-reliant.
• Continue to be an advocate for students to ensure that the living and learning environment is a positive one in which they can reach their full potential.
• Continue the Minority Student Orientation Program and expand it to include parents.
• Continue to provide:

a) leadership training, b) career exploration, c) personal counseling, d) personal development workshops, e) mentoring, and f) tutoring assistance

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