Congratulations to those who are returning to campus.
You may notice that some students didn't come back, for one reason, or perhaps a few reasons known, unknown, and rumored about. Poor grades, finances, work and family obligations, drug and alcohol problems, bullying, domestic abuse, and sexual assault, mental illness and suicide, accidents, and physical disabilities are just a few issues.
This doesn't necessarily mean that it's the end of a college career. It may only be a detour.
Retaining students is not only an effort of individuals, it's an institutional effort, one that good administrators are well aware of. Some schools are better than others at it. Others prefer a survival of the fittest mindset.
Some administrators care little about retention, believing that there is little that can be done. College is an assembly line with a certain amount (x) that won't make it. This may be a concern if the student is someone they know or someone who is the child of someone who cares enough to ask questions or pull strings.
Teachers may care even less, believing that fewer students makes classroom management easier. It certainly makes parking easier.
Students may care, but are not sure what could be done. And they may not have the means, they believe, to make a difference.
But in the long-run, dropping out can leave former students angry and bitter about a school that didn't care. Word of mouth spreads when a school could care less. We'd like to hear your stories about detachment, caring, and getting folks back in the classroom.
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