Service to our students is paramount at Slippery Rock University. We are not only interested in recruiting students to The Rock, but are equally as interested in seeing them succeed. Throuch the office of Retention Services, Slippery Rock begins early in the first semester freshman year to retain its students by addressing the issues that a first-semester freshmen will experience. Within the first 5 weeks of the semester, faculty who teach first year students are asked, "How are your freshman students doing?" These questions are asked to get a better sense if the students are attending class regularly, prepared, doing homework assignments, and achieving success. Assistance is offered to freshman students through a computerized assessment program called SAPA (Student Attendance, Performance and Adjustment).

During one-on-one interviews with SAPA-cited students, university personnel have the opportunity to speak with students directly, refer them to academic tutoring, and /or support sessions, and recommend both personal and career counseling as needed.

Additionally, FYRST students who have interrupted their attendance at The Rock for any reason and have not attended another college or university since their departure may resume studies at Slippery Rock University by applying for readmission through the Retention Services office.