Number Love!

I have always loved numbers. To me, numbers can be as fascinating as people, and are often described in the same way – e.g., real, positive, complex, whole, and perfect. Typically, I don’t have a favorite number, but after reading Dr. Crain’s latest Message from the President, I do today. It’s 68.

 

In his message announcing the increases in enrollment numbers, Dr. Crain wrote, “Our freshman to sophomore retention rate also increased to 68 percent - a marked improvement over prior years, reflecting the concerted efforts of many faculty and staff.” 

 

68! Do you realize the retention rate reported in the fall of 2016 was 62.6 percent ---so 68 reflects a 5.4 percentage point increase in our first to second year retention?!  Take a bow!

 

Retention is complex, with a myriad of factors contributing to positive gains. So many people have done so many things! Our Center for Student Excellence, Student Affairs, academic departments, -- virtually every unit on campus has played a role in keeping our students connected to campus.

 

While many initiatives have contributed to that 68, I want to mention two -- Academic Checkpoints and LINK (Lion Intervention Network). I mention these two because you – individual faculty and staff -- determine their success. Academic Checkpoints provide a compass reading to help students determine academic location and direction so they can make adjustments as needed.  LINK allows faculty and staff to report students in distress so necessary support resources can be identified and provided.

 

These early alert and intervention tools help students stay on the path to academic success but require action from you. Thank you for your diligence in providing meaningful academic feedback to our students AND your watchful eye in identifying students facing academic challenges and/or personal hardships. You are making a difference!

 

Our 68 is not perfect, but it demonstrates real progress. My sincere thanks to the whole Southeastern family for making this possible! With the continued efforts of all, I’m looking forward to a new favorite number next fall!

 

Have a great break! 

My best,
Tena