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A Systematic Approach to Assessing Retention Programs: Identifying Critical Points for Meaningful Interventions and Validating Outcomes Assessment

A systematic approach to assessing retention programs focuses on student success and continual improvement in retention. The approach is a dynamic and ongoing practice built into the daily work of faculty, staff, and other college personnel and is based on the theoretical framework for comprehensive retention research (Levitz & Noel, 1985). The framework has been extensively used in retention research (Congos & Schoeps, 1997; Molnar, 1996). Three major components of retention research have been identified: determining dropout predictors, identifying critical points, and validating outcomes assessment of retention endeavors. This article describes the research approach that yielded data used in designing and implementing meaningful interventions for freshmen to enable them to attain their academic and personal goals. The research was also used in reports provided for local and state educators, legislators, the general public, and others interested in the value of investing in higher education.