Baker University’s retention rate for students has finally stabilized after an unexpectedly low year.
Freshmen who enrolled in the fall 2003 semester found plenty of reasons to change schools the following year, as only 67 percent re-enrolled.
For Baker, that number is well below expectations, said Lisa Johnston, assistant dean for student academic services.
“Every institution defines a rate which is acceptable,” Johnston said. “In reality, we would want 100 percent, but no one gets that.”
Last year, 80 percent of the freshmen who enrolled for the fall semester re-enrolled this year, which is the normal rate Baker retains its students.
Not only is 80 percent a typical retention rate for Baker, but for other schools of Baker’s size and make-up as well, Johnston said.
Dean of Students John Frazier said reasons for transferring or dropping out could be anything from a change in major to location or financial issues.
“We make a personal contact with them,” Frazier said. “We don’t try to talk them out of leaving if that’s what they really want. We just try to find out if there are any issues we could fix.”
The personal approach taken with each student is one reason the retention rate is higher than those of larger schools, Frazier said.
“They know we care,” Frazier said. “Depending on a student’s major and circumstances, they might be better off elsewhere. Individual attention means a lot and I think that is the reason people come and stay.”
Recognizing students at risk of leaving is the first step. The residence hall staff is a source.
Spotting students at risk of leaving is usually pretty easy, sophomore Micah Mason, a resident assistant in Denious Hall, said.
“They become reclusive and won’t come out of their room,” Mason said. “We just try to make sure they are leaving for legitimate reasons and not the wrong ones. Outside of that, we just see if there is anything we can do to help them stay.”