News
By Maria Tchijov
|
April 6, 2005
With current high school seniors receiving admissions letters this week, colleges and universities nationwide are seeking to increase the retention rates of incoming students, The Washington Post reported yesterday.
According to Dean of Students Penny Rue, the University continues to graduate students at a higher rate than its peer institutions.
The University graduates 92 percent of its students in six years, which is a greater percentage than six of the University's peer institutions, including Boston College and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, according to College Results, a company that analyzes college retention rates.
"We look for students who will come to the University and will become involved in the life of the University," Dean of Admissions John Blackburn said.
Blackburn pointed out the correlation between the increase in the selectivity of the University and an increase in student retention rates.
"We accept really bright students who can do the work," Rue said.
Once students enter the University, however, the effort to encourage them to stay begins in earnest through residential and mentoring programs, Rue said.
"The mentoring programs we have are strong," she said.