Step 1. Set the Stage for Student Retention
     A. Mission Statement.
     B. Retention Committee.
     C. Philosophy of Student Success.
     D. Three-Year Persistence Data.
     E. Campus-Assessment Data.

Step 2. Establish Retention Goals
     A. Institutional Goals.
     B. Recruitment Goals.
     C. Persistence Goals.
     D. Student-Outcomes Goals.
     E. Course Goals.
     F. Student-Satisfaction Goals.

Step 3. Select Retention Strategies That Work
     A. Pre-enrollment Communications.
     B. Orientation.
     C. Academic Advising.
     D. Freshman-Year Program.
     E. Activities in the Major.
     F. Academic-Support Programs.
     G. Campus Life.
     H. Other Retention Areas.

Step 4. Evaluate Retention Outcomes
     A. Student-Satisfaction Studies.
     B. Program Audits and Reviews.
     C. Exit Interviews.
     D. Retention/Attrition Studies.

Step 5. Prepare Realistic Timelines and Allocate Resources
     A. Immediate-Action Plan.
     B. Long-Term Action Plan.
     C. Resource-Allocation Plan.

Step 6. Recognize, Reward and Celebrate Student Successes
     A. Students.
     B. Faculty.
     C. Staff.
     D. Administration.
     E. Board of Trustees.
     F. Alumni.
     G. Parents.
     H. Community.
     I. Institution.