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Studies focus on why freshman stay and leave at Boise State
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According to figures provided by the office of Institutional Assessment at Boise State, about 60 percent of incoming freshmen this fall will return the following fall.
Forty percent may seem like a large loss, but it is about normal for most universities.
“This figure is somewhat lower than the national average. It is similar, however, to the retention rate at other metropolitan universities and at community colleges where students are much more likely to be balancing jobs and families along with their academic work,” say Marcia Belchier, coordinator of Institutional Assessment.
According to a study done by the office in 1995, early academic success – and not factors such as working outside the home, raising children, living outside the home, minority status and gender – was the key factor likely to determine whether students return both the following semester, and one year later.
The study also found that students who enrolled in special cluster programs, took advantage of more student services and had more conversations with faculty members were more likely to have early success and remain at Boise State.
The web site for the Boise State Gateway Center for Academic Support offers “start smart” courses, such as library skills and reading and study skills. The web site offers suggestions for early success, including getting involved with Student Activities, and seeking advice with tutorial services, the Writing Center and the Counseling and Testing Center.
The office of Institutional Assessment found that students involved in “start smart” or cluster programs were more likely to return than control students in the study.
According to other data, the main reason students leave Boise State is conflicts between job demands and college. Other major causes of student loss at Boise State included family responsibilities, grade dissatisfaction and general dissatisfaction with BSU’s quality of instruction.
Sean C. Hayes