Running Head Project Problem Statement 1 And 5

Running Head Project Problem Statement1problem Statement5problem

The problem focused on in this project is the low retention rate at Southern New Hampshire University, which currently stands at 61%. The issue is critical because student retention is a key indicator of an institution's success and directly influences its reputation and financial stability. Improving retention involves addressing various factors, including staff-student interactions, campus climate, academic support, and administrative policies.

To improve retention, the university needs to ensure that staff members are both qualified and approachable, fostering a supportive environment for students. Customer satisfaction among students and parents significantly impacts retention rates. According to Greene, Oswald, and Pomerantz (2015), positive interactions and responsiveness from administration contribute to higher retention. Leadership should actively listen to the concerns of students and their families and implement policies to prevent discrimination and harm, creating a safe and inclusive campus culture.

My previous coursework has equipped me with critical skills in decision-making and problem analysis. These skills are essential when evaluating complex issues like student retention, enabling me to identify root causes and develop effective solutions. For example, understanding how to analyze institutional data and student feedback allows for targeted interventions to improve engagement and academic success. Applying these skills to real-world scenarios involves systematically assessing the problem, gathering relevant data, engaging stakeholders, and implementing evidence-based strategies.

Current literature indicates that many higher education institutions have enhanced retention through various approaches, including improving student services, fostering engagement, and creating supportive campus environments. For instance, Krause, Mogalle, Pohl, & Williams (2015) emphasize the role of social gamification in online learning environments, which enhances engagement and reduces dropout rates. While many institutions experience success, some continue to struggle, highlighting the need for tailored retention strategies based on institutional context and student demographics.

My project will benefit multiple stakeholders, including students, parents, faculty, and administration. Improved retention yields benefits such as increased graduation rates, enhanced reputation, and financial stability for the institution. Additionally, students benefit from a more supportive learning environment that promotes academic achievement and personal growth. These benefits reinforce the importance of targeted retention initiatives and the continuous evaluation of their effectiveness.

I have access to ample resources to complete this project, including coursework materials, the Southern New Hampshire University website, academic journals, and reputable internet sources. These resources will help me understand the multifaceted nature of student retention and identify effective strategies based on empirical evidence and best practices in higher education.

The stakeholders most suited to evaluate the project's success are parents, students, and university administrators. These groups are directly impacted by retention rates and can provide valuable feedback on the effectiveness of implemented strategies. Their perspectives will help determine whether the interventions improve student experiences and outcomes.

Given the available resources and my background knowledge, I am confident I can complete this project within the designated timeframe. Effective planning and management will be essential to ensure timely data collection, analysis, stakeholder engagement, and reporting.

Paper For Above instruction

Student retention remains a significant concern in higher education, influencing both institutional reputation and student success. The focus of this project is to analyze and propose strategies to improve the retention rate at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), which currently reports a retention rate of 61%. Addressing the factors that influence retention is crucial, including staff-student interactions, campus climate, academic support systems, and administrative policies.

In order to enhance retention, SNHU needs to ensure that its staff are both qualified and approachable, fostering a welcoming environment that encourages students to persist. The satisfaction of students and their parents plays a vital role in retention. Greene, Oswald, and Pomerantz (2015) found that positive student-faculty interactions, responsiveness, and a supportive administrative environment significantly contribute to student persistence. Therefore, policies promoting transparency, inclusiveness, and proactive communication are essential.

My previous academic coursework has provided me with critical skills such as decision-making and comprehensive problem analysis, which are vital for tackling complex issues like retention. These skills allow for systematic assessment of institutional data, student feedback, and environmental factors. Applying these skills in a practical context involves identifying root causes, exploring possible interventions, and evaluating the potential impact of various strategies.

Existing literature indicates that retention rates can be improved through a variety of approaches, including establishing robust academic support, enhancing student engagement, and creating a campus climate that promotes inclusion and belonging. Krause, Mogalle, Pohl, & Williams (2015) demonstrated the effectiveness of social gamification in online learning environments, which increases engagement and reduces dropout rates. Such innovative approaches can be adapted to the on-campus environment, leveraging technology and student-centered practices.

The benefits of this project extend to multiple stakeholders. Students, by experiencing increased support and engagement, are more likely to persist and graduate. Parents benefit from knowing their children are in a safe and supportive environment. The administration benefits from improved institutional performance, reputation, and financial health. Faculty members also gain from increased student engagement and success, reinforcing the importance of faculty-student relationships in retention efforts.

Resources available for this project include academic literature, institutional data, university websites, and online educational resources. These will support the analysis and help identify proven retention strategies tailored to SNHU's context. Additionally, feedback from stakeholders will be instrumental in refining interventions, hence stakeholder participation will be crucial in evaluating the project's success.

Evaluation of the project will predominantly involve feedback from students, parents, and administration. Their insights will assess whether implemented strategies have improved student satisfaction, engagement, and persistence. Regular monitoring and evaluation will ensure that strategies are responsive to the evolving needs of the student body and that outcomes align with institutional goals.

Based on the available resources and my prior knowledge, I am confident in my ability to complete the project on time. Systematic planning, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and continuous evaluation are essential components of successful implementation within the deadline.

References

• Greene, J. A., Oswald, C. A., & Pomerantz, J. (2015). Predictors of retention and achievement in a massive open online course. American Educational Research Journal, 52(5), 953-974.
• Krause, M., Mogalle, M., Pohl, H., & Williams, J. J. (2015, March). A playful game changer: Fostering student retention in online education with social gamification. In Proceedings of the Second ACM Conference on Learning@ Scale (pp. 95-102). ACM.
• Bean, J. P. (1980). Dropouts and turnover: The synthesis and test of a grounded theory of college student attrition. Research in Higher Education, 13(2), 155–187.
• Johnson, K., & Lee, J. (2016). Student engagement and retention in higher education: A review. Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice, 17(3), 205-224.
• Tinto, V. (1997). Classrooms as communities: Exploring the educationalmatic implications of community and social interaction. The Center for Community College Student Engagement, University of Texas at Austin.
• Astin, A. W. (1984). Student involvement: A developmental theory for higher education. Journal of College Student Personnel, 25(4), 297-308.
• Kuh, G. D. (2009). The National Survey of Student Engagement: Conceptual and empirical foundations. New Directions for Institutional Research, 2009(141), 5–20.
• Seidman, A. (2012). How to improve college retention: New directions for institutional research. Jossey-Bass.
• Mobley, C. C., & Becker, A. (2014). Promoting student retention through institutional practices. Community College Journal of Research and Practice, 38(7), 648-662.
• Berger, J. B. (2000). Supporting the academic and social integration of first-year students. New Directions for Higher Education, 2000(109), 81-95.