Consortium for Student Retention Data Exchange

1700 Asp Ave.
Norman, OK 73072

Phone: 405-325-2158
Fax: 405-325-7309
csrde@ou.edu

Why College Students Stay: Using Academic Performance, Motivation & Social Engagement Constructs to Predict Third-year College Retention
presented by Steve Robbins, ACT

Date of webinar: April 16, 2008

*Materials for this webinar are not currently available.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
To register for this webinar download this document, fill it out, and either mail or fax it to the CSRDE.

Abstract

We address critical reasons students stay in college via research with four- and two-year schools. Our models incorporate academic performance, motivation, social constructs, and background characteristics to predict third-year enrollment status. Findings from the four-year sample suggest that (1) academic performance has large effects on likelihood of retention and transfer, (2) motivation and pre-collegiate academic preparation have indirect effects on retention and transfer, and (3) motivation and social connection have direct effects on retention, and (4) SES is predictive of transfer. Findings from the two-year sample suggest that (1) pre-collegiate academic preparation is the strongest predictor of all outcomes, (2) motivation distinguishes retained and graduating students from other outcomes, (3) social connection has effects only for those students transferring to 4-year institutions, and (4) SES has effects on all outcomes. The central role of academic preparation and success is discussed, as well as practical implications. We use a case study of a four-year university that is systematically identifying and intervening with at-risk, first-year students to highlight our recommendations.

The Consortium for Student Retention Data Exchange at the University of Oklahoma is a consortium of two-year and four-year institutions dedicated to achieving the highest levels of student success through collaboratively sharing data, knowledge, and innovation.

CSRDE is a sponsored activity of the Center for Institutional Data Exchange and Analysis at