Pharos Resources is currently exhibiting at the National Symposium on Student Retention, sponsored by the Consortium for Student Retention Data Exchange (CSRDE). Yesterday, we were able to present on how to bridge the enrollment-to-retention chasm to develop a cohesive retention plan from day zero.
Here is a brief abstract of the presentation:
Before students make their final decision to attend your institution, your admissions team has invested a significant amount of time building relationships with them and collecting valuable information while recruiting them to the campus. Unfortunately, both qualitative and quantitative data is left behind when a prospective student becomes an enrolled student. Thus, an enrollment-to-retention chasm is created, impacting the immediate effectiveness of retention plans and interventions.
The presentation explored the connection between enrollment and retention and the importance of establishing a cohesive persistence model that utilizes the data and relationships that are developed during the enrollment process.
We highlighted the effective use of retention tools such as: predictive modeling, identifying at-risk students based on admissions counselors, direct and personal involvement, and creating early interventions to address transitional and engagement issues from the moment they arrive on campus.
Finally, we discussed how Pharos 360 and Pharos Insight support your institution as you collect and analyze information about at-risk students, the bridge-building practice that enabled a private university to increase Fall-to-Spring retention of admissions identified at-risk students.