Retention to Graduation Conference focuses on improving student success

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Oklahoma State University’s inaugural Retention to Graduation Conference included speakers, sessions and informational posters focused on enhancing student success.

Dr. Christie Hawkins, associate vice president and director of Institutional Research and Information Management at OSU, shared retention and graduation data available in the Cowboy Data Round-Up, OSU reports and dashboards provided by IRIM and powered by SAS Visual Analytics.

“Most of OSU’s attrition happens between the first and second year,” Hawkins said. “Our analytical tools help us better identify incoming students who could benefit from the resources available across OSU. Employing more comprehensive data than has historically been available can significantly improve our understanding of factors contributing to higher first year retention and ultimately student success.”

Dr. Linda C. Martin, vice president for Academic Affairs and Student Success for the University of Tennessee System, was the other guest speaker. She spoke about the importance of having a focused effort on second-year success and its significance on retention.

The following awards were handed out during the program:

People’s Choice Awards: Poster Competition

The Impact of Student Employment: Roberta Douglas and Chad Anglin, OSU Career Services

Taking it Personally: Exploring the Role of Service in Retention: Amber Todd, T.J. Christ, Sara Mayo, Skyler Speight, Office of the Registrar

Faculty Excellence Award

Carisa Ramming, School of Architecture

Staff Excellence Award

Jackie German, Edmon Low Library

Program Excellence Award

College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Academic On-Track Program

 

The March 6 conference was sponsored by the Division of Academic Affairs, Division of Student Affairs, and the Retention to Graduation Committee.