Retention
In 2022, the NSU community began a data gathering process, seeking robust student input on how to improve student retention. Using surveys, focus groups, and small group conversations, a working group gathered feedback, identified concerns, and collected suggestions and ideas impacting student retention. An online anonymous suggestion box allowed faculty, staff, and students to submit further ideas and concerns. Finally, in December 2022, the working group hosted a faculty and staff retention retreat to discuss student feedback and brainstorm paths forward.
Throughout this process, the working group sought to be deliberative, purposeful, and to include faculty, staff, and student voices. In the end, 63 recommendations were identified as possible ways to improve student retention at NSU. This initial list was condensed into a final 16 retention priorities, approved by the President’s Cabinet for implementation.
In the following semesters, a committee of relevant stakeholders was assigned to each retention priority. Working together, these committees authored final reports including future action items, including some for immediate implementation and others that would take longer for a gradual implementation.
The retention priorities were then included in the 2023-2028 NSU Strategic Plan, “An Institution of Distinction.” As part of the strategic plan, NSU has a goal of full implementation of the retention priorities by the close of the strategic plan lifecycle.
The NSU community is encouraged to take the opportunity to review the full reports below at length. The NSU community will continue to fully engage in the conversations on how to improve student retention, as we all have a role to play in ensuring the engagement, retention, and persistence of our students.
CHARGE: Develop a white paper regarding necessary updates, redesigns, or changes to nsuok.edu to ensure it reflects accurate information and communicates important information to prospective and current students.
CHARGE: Create a plan and timeline for the development of published course sequences and modalities for all majors and graduate programs, including how course sequences will be published and available for students.
CHARGE: Develop a plan for ensuring that a general education sequence is available to be completed in an all-online format, in a sequence that can be accomplished in a reasonable time frame for students. Create a comprehensive list of all available undergraduate degree programs that can be completed fully online.
CHARGE: Develop a plan for the growth of the faculty mentorship model, including expectations of and training for faculty mentors, providing adequate support, and program oversight.
CHARGE: Develop a plan for ensuring that ongoing facilities needs are identified and the functioning of the work order system. Increase communication regarding open work orders, University capital projects, and NSU’s master plan, with the goal of easy access to up-to-date information and regular communication to campus constituents.
CHARGE: Develop Blackboard shells to ensure format and functionality are consistent across the University and maximize online quality and learning. Develop relevant policies and a timeline for implementation for Fall 2022.
CHARGE:As Oklahoma’s premiere immersive learning institution, we must ensure that there are internship or research opportunities within every major, inclusive of credit bearing, non-credit, or volunteer opportunities for any student who desires that experience and that students are aware of how to participate in those experiences.
CHARGE: Develop a plan for implementing midterm grades for all students in all courses.
CHARGE:Develop a plan to ensure that student contact information on file is current and reviewed periodically.
CHARGE: Develop a plan for education regarding existing online library access with a timeline for implementation. Evaluate ongoing online access needs.
CHARGE: Develop a plan for ensuring students have appropriate access to and awareness of academic student support series, including available tutoring services and writing centers. Evaluate access to services available for Muskogee, Broken Arrow, graduate students and students completing degrees online for consistency, including access to overall academic space for Muskogee students. Create a plan for implementing needed updates.
CHARGE: Develop a plan for providing comprehensive student support services for online students and branch campuses, including evaluating after hours and weekend services. Ensuring student awareness of existing services.
CHARGE: Develop a plan for providing customer service training; training on identifying and supporting at-risk students; and ensuring excellence in teaching and customer service for online student populations.
CHARGE: Develop a plan to evaluate University Strategies for effectiveness and best practices.
CHARGE: Develop a plan to increase course evaluation participation rates and ensure course evaluations are an effective tool for continuous improvement.
CHARGE: Develop a plan for transfer student orientation on the Broken Arrow, Muskogee and Tahlequah campuses. Evaluate needed transfer services that support a positive student transition.