1	Who’s Coming to Greenville? Who’s Staying at Greenville? February 13, 2003
2	Institutions with the Best Graduation Rates Have a distinctive niche and a strong sense of mission Emphasize the learning process, recognizing that retention is a natural by-product of quality education Focus on fit: academic, social, and spiritual integration
3	Mission-Driven Institutions Their mission statement focuses on the impact on students, rather than on activities and resources of the institution itself. Their mission can be clearly articulated in a sentence or two by every person employed on campus. Their mission defines who they are, what is important to them, and what makes them distinctive. They hire faculty, staff, and administrators with mission in mind, focusing on fit and capitalizing on strengths. They recruit graduates-to-be, those who fit and are attracted to their mission.
4	Who Do We Attract? Academically: 46% had an A/A- high school GPA 40% had B or below 17% took at least one remedial HS course 32% think they will need at least one remedial course in college (math) 66% intend to go to graduate school
5	Who Do We Attract? Academically (cont.) Less academically able and less engaged than other CCCU freshmen Lower ACT scores Study less than other CCCU freshmen Lower perception of themselves in: Writing skills Math ability
6	Who Do We Attract? Socially: 29% first-generation college students Less self-confident socially Lower perception of themselves in: Understanding others Cooperativeness Competitiveness Initiative Emotional health
7	Who Do We Attract? Demographics: 33% live within 100 miles 26% live more than 500 miles away 91% live on campus 31% applied only to Greenville 74.5% chose Greenville first 16.6% second choice 9% 3^rd choice or lower
8	Intentions of Freshmen LESS intention to: Do community service* Participate in student organizations* Develop close friends Be satisfied with Greenville Change majors* MORE intention to: Play varsity sports*** Transfer* *p<.001 p<.01 *p<.05
9	Why Did They Choose Greenville? MORE influential: Website Financial aid package Low tuition Graduates get good jobs Role model guided them toward GC Not accepted elsewhere Not offered financial aid elsewhere LESS influential: Religious affiliation of the college National rankings in magazines
10	1^st-Choice Students MORE likely to have chosen GC because: Relatives’ advice It is Christian Got a merit scholarship Size MORE likely to be satisfied with GC LESS likely to have chosen GC because: Didn’t get financial aid elsewhere Didn’t get accepted elsewhere Got the opportunity to play sports Got a good financial aid package LESS likely to transfer
11	Third Choice Students Rate themselves as having less initiative More likely to have gone to college because there was “nothing better to do” and they “couldn’t find a job” Do not rate themselves as spiritual and did not choose GC because of its religious affiliation More likely to transfer More likely say they are at GC on an athletic scholarship Spend more hours per week playing sports and exercising Less satisfied with advising and with the academic environment Less likely to reenroll Much less satisfied with campus climate Much less satisfied with spiritual fit Much less satisfied with residence hall regulations
12	Predicting Satisfaction Chose GC for its academic reputation Student’s emotional health Advised to choose GC by a “private counselor” Do not claim to be here on an athletic scholarship NOT rejected by any other school (source: CIRP 2000, R²=.40)
13	Predicting Satisfaction on the SSI Predictors: Enjoy being a student here Caring staff Spiritual fit Billing policies Sense of pride about GC Campus run-around Able to grow intellectually GC’s reputation Feel a sense of belonging here Residence life regulations Quality of instruction in the major (source: SSI 2001 & 2002, R²=.66)
14	Who Stays at Greenville? Females Whites and Latinos In-state students Those seeking a Master’s degree eventually Those who value personal relationships with faculty and staff Those who chose GC because of the personal attention given them in the recruiting process
15	Who Stays? (cont.) Students who are significantly more satisfied with: Academic advising Campus climate Faculty care Fair treatment from faculty Tuition as a worthwhile investment
16	Predicting Reenrollment Enjoy being a student Knowledgeable advisor Available faculty Advisor helps set goals Knowledgeable faculty Fair and unbiased faculty GC contributes to spiritual growth (source: 2001 SSI, R²=.90) Residence hall comfort Helpful student handbook Helpful financial aid staff Sufficient weekend activities Parking lots well-lighted
17	Minority Students’ Experiences Minority students are significantly less likely to be satisfied with Caring faculty Weekend activities Understanding of God being strengthened Faculty/staff helpful in processing faith issues Minority students are significantly more satisfied that they know what is happening on campus
18	SSI Changes Since Last Year Importance scores are much higher—a good sign! Satisfaction generally increased Advising satisfaction increased across the board—GC is now in the top 5 in the CCCU in advising Significant decreases in satisfaction in only 4 areas: Campus safety Security staff responses in emergencies Commitment to commuters Likelihood of reenrolling
19	Significant Increases in Satisfaction All advising items Caring faculty who are fair and unbiased Knowledgeable faculty who are available outside of class Quality of instruction in the major Valuable courses in the major Able to grow intellectually Quality of instruction overall Adequacy of computer labs Residence hall regulations Males and females treated with equal respect Gender equity in athletics Commitment to students with disabilities Food selection
20	Top Strengths to Celebrate Top Ten Strengths are all Academic Course content in the major, quality of instruction in the major and in general High quality advising Able to experience intellectual growth Knowledgeable faculty Faculty who are available, fair and unbiased* *items not in the top ten strengths of other CCCU school or private colleges
21	Challenges to Address Financial issues Tuition worthwhile Financial aid issues Registration issues Comfortable residence halls* Campus safety* Computer issues* Campus run-around* Knowledgeable admissions staff* * items not in the top ten challenges in the CCCU or in other private colleges
22	Recruiting Graduates-To-Be Emphasize personal attention, caring staff and faculty-student relationships Highlight the academic reputation of the college Publicize graduates’ successes – jobs and grad school placements Highlight the sense of community here Emphasize the high quality advising a student will receive
23	Recruiting Tactics Strengthen relationships with those who are role models to high school students—your best “fits” are recruited personally Use faculty, staff, and current students to build relationships with prospective students Use the website effectively Be realistic about who you are as a Christian college—especially with your prospective athletes Recruit athletes with adequate academic ability and Christian commitment (otherwise, they don’t stay) Don’t accept late admits and be cautious about those who were rejected by other schools Use financial aid as leverage, not as the main attraction
24	Campus Climates Conducive to Student Success Welcoming Strengths-Affirming Equipping Transforming
25	A Transforming Climate FROM: Students who must be taught Tired, lifeless, empty Lost, lacking direction Self-centered, manipulative, feeling entitled Externally focused on status, power, and possessions Motivated by fear and deficits TO: Lifelong learners who are curiosity-driven Alive, energized Sense of meaning and purpose Self-giving, other-focused Internally driven out of a sense of giving their lives to God Motivated by strengths, passion, and the power of the Holy Spirit