Re-engagement Strategies for College

Stop-outs

On Point for College Retention Team:Tricia Baker Selina Boyd Jaime Grillo

Introduction Presentation is based on Re-enrollment and Retention strategies from the

OPFC perspective and experience

Pre Re-Enrollment Advisor 2007-2010: 75 students (25/year)– self-selected

Current #’s: Enrolled: 35 Graduates: 17 Stop-outs: 23

Post Re-Enrollment Advisor 2010-2011: 80 students – took a more aggressive approach with phone calls, social

networking, text and e-mail Current #’s:

Enrolled Spring 2011: 80 Continuing Fall 2011: 55 Graduates: 7 Stop-outs: 18

Re-enrollment Strategies:Connecting with Re-enrollees

Contact Phone calls, Social Networking, text, e-mail and

letters Reaching out to Community Agencies and

Organizations associated with OPFC Hosted a Certificate Workshop Collaborated with Onondaga Community College

and SUNY Oswego to identify the population Hosted a G.E.D Workshop

Re-enrollment Strategies:Engaging Re-enrollees

Intake Obtain updated demographics Assessment

Career Interest Academic History and Performance Readiness College selection (Certificate, Associates, Bachelors)

Financial Aid Advisement Loan History, FAFSA, TAP, outside resources

Re-enrollment Strategies:Enrolling Re-enrollees

Enrollment Connect student with designated counselor at

partner schools Re-enrollment Orientation

Provide students with backpacks and supplies Discuss time-management, study skills and

financial aid Visit students on campus throughout the

semester

Re-enrollment: Results, Findings and Trends

From 2007-2010 we spoke to 75 students (25 per year) Self-selected

Based on 4 categories, we determined the reasons that most attributed to why the students stopped out of college 1st: Personal / Familial 2nd: Social / Cultural 3rd: Academic 4th: Financial

Re-enrollment: Results, Findings and Trends

Drop-out vs. Stop-out Residential students vs. Commuter

students Residential: Social vs. School Commuter: personal/family vs. school

Most students will drop everything (academics, work, etc) if something goes wrong at home

Successful Case Studies of Re-enrolled Students

Student 1: Homelessness Family issues Financial

independence Little to no support

network

Student 1 is currently attending Onondaga Community College and has successfully persisted through the past 3 semesters. Since re-enrollment, he has secured his own apartment and a part-time job.

Successful Case Studies of Re-enrolled Students

Student 2: Pregnancy Domestic abuse Family issues Unsupportive mother Unprepared for College Financial issues

Student 2 successfully appealed her financial aid and it was reinstated. She is currently enrolled in Onondaga Community College majoring in respiratory therapy. She is living independently with her child in a safe environment.

Successful Case Studies of Re-enrolled Students

Student 3: Academic struggles Pressure to succeed by

peers Family responsibilities Unstable living

environment Full-time employment

Student 3 is currently enrolled at Columbia College in a Bachelor’s program on a part-time basis. She has committed to seeking the necessary assistance to be successful academically. She continues to work full-time and live on her own.

Retention Strategies

During the first month of each semester, OPFC staff visit students at all NYS campuses Check financial aid, housing, meal plan and secure textbooks

OPFC Re-enrollment Advisor visits the students on their campus that re-enrolled each semester

Take a more aggressive approach – make a lot of phone calls, e-mails, Facebook and text message re-enrollees

Retention staff visit two-year NYS Community Colleges and AG/Tech Colleges monthly and OCC weekly

Provide on-campus transfer services

Introduce students to “Campus Angel”

Retention Strategies Transportation

Provide rides to students who are leaving Syracuse on the first and last day of school and when residence and dining halls close

Utilize a dedicated group of 40 volunteers from the community and the OPFC staff to cover the trips

Centro bus passes at OCC Bookstore

Additional Assistance Emergency Loan Funds at different schools Basic and Emergency Needs

Eye glasses, winter coats, dental, food, medicine Last Dollar grants

Enrollment and Housing Deposits Financial assistance for textbooks

Math and Science Grants Tuition assistance to take summer Math and Science courses

Summary Presentation was based on Re-enrollment

and Retention strategies from the OPFC perspective and experience

OPFC is an organization that meets the needs of the students, students do not have to fit a certain mold

We take pride in building relationships with our students and garnishing trust