To retain students, campuses need prevention plans—not recovery plans for attrition. Retention plans must be deliberate, intentional and comprehensive, or the results are likely to be short-lived.

Successful retention programs:

• Are highly structured.
• Are interlocked with other programs/services.
• Rely on extended, intensive student contact.
• Are based on a strategy of engagement.
• Place special emphasis on staff quality.
• Focus on affective as well as cognitive needs.
• Track and monitor the level of student satisfaction.

Retention Planning: A Step-by-Step Approach features six important steps that are recommended for campuses that want to move beyond the short-term solutions for retaining students.