What works in retention?

The short version appears to be first to do the kinds of things that Kim Eldridge has been suggesting (centralized follow up systems) as well as more full-time faculty and more remediation programs. Class size doesn’t seem to matter as much (at least from a student retention perspective, though I can tell you as someone who taught 240 students my first semester at JBU, class size does indeed matter from a faculty perspective).

http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2010/12/10/productivity

“In addition to call centers and the greater use of full-time faculty, remediation holds up well as a cost-effective way to improve college completion, Harris said. Yet, strategies like cutting class sizes can drive rankings, increase prestige and garner attention.”