Adding new programs and services is not necessarily the solution for reducing attrition on your campus, especially if the infrastructure is not in place to support them. For this reason, many campuses focus first on energizing and showcasing existing programs. These anchor programs become the vehicles for launching new initiatives. In other words, build on what’s already working on your campus.

Among the “best practices” to which campuses turn for both short-term and long-term retention solutions are the following:

• Pre-enrollment communications.
• Orientation.
• Academic Advising.
• Freshman-Year Programming.
• Activities in the Major.
• Academic-Support Programs.
• Campus Life.
• Other Retention Areas.

Institutions that truly are committed to the success of their students are in constant search of best practices in student retention that “fit” their student body, their institution and their specific needs. Best practices in student retention have been reported for many decades as retention scholars and practitioners share their findings. A retention bibliography is one of the most valuable resources available to you and your retention committee as you review the research on best practices your campus will eventually adopt. Retention Web sites also are great sources of information about best practices that have relevance for your campus.

Proceed to Step 4. Evaluate Retention Outcomes