Student University Retention and Persistence Task Force

The University is committed to fostering an environment that promotes student success, retention, persistence, and timely graduation. The primary purpose of the retention and persistence task force is to conduct a comprehensive, university-wide examination of undergraduate student retention and persistence, identify best practices, close equity gaps, leverage existing efforts, and develop actionable recommendations to enhance student outcomes. The task force will take a university-wide approach, integrating institutional and localized efforts, analyzing relevant data, and promoting a culture of shared responsibility for student success.

Scope

The Retention and Persistence Task Force is charged with developing a holistic understanding of student retention and persistence within the university. Its scope will encompass:

  • University-Wide Perspective: Analyzing and evaluating retention strategies that are broad in scope, impacting the entire student body.
  • Data-Driven Analysis: Utilizing institutional and localized data to inform decision-making, differentiate between various data sets, and identify significant trends and outcomes related to student success.
  • Data Analysis and Utilization: Analyzing institutional data to identify key performance indicators related to retention and persistence, and develop clear processes for the actionable use of this data.
  • Data Differentiation: Informing targeted interventions and comprehensive strategies.
  • Strategic Collaboration: Identifying and cultivating strategic partnerships throughout the University to promote and ensure the implementation of best practices in retention strategies.
  • Resource Identification: Exploring and recommending resources necessary to support students throughout their academic journey.
  • Assessment: Evaluating the effectiveness of current retention programs and developing methodologies for their ongoing assessment.
  • Campus Education and Engagement: Providing education and outreach to the broader campus community regarding the importance of student retention and the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in supporting student persistence.
  • Information Dissemination: Establishing mechanisms to mutually inform colleagues across the University about retention and persistence findings, ensuring this information is utilized to assist in Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) decisions, particularly regarding the admission of well-matched students.
  • Primary Foci Identification: Clearly defining the primary foci of retention efforts that will result in the most significant impact on student success, retention, and persistence.
Open All

  • Robert Bromfield, Associate Dean & University Registrar, Office of the Provost
  • Nathan Cain, Associate Vice Provost for Institutional Research and Analytics, Office of the Provost
  • Jenny Garcia, Director of Financial Aid, Office of Strategic Enrollment Management
  • Shannon Gary, Vice President of Student Life, Office of Student Life
  • Sherie Gilmore-Cleveland, Associate Vice Provost of Undergraduate Admission, Office of Strategic Enrollment Management
  • Eric Groves, Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management, Office of Strategic Enrollment Management
  • Rebecca Hong, Vice Provost of Student Success, Inclusive Excellence and Curricular Innovation, Office of the Provost (Co-Chair)
  • David Kirmse, Associate Vice President of Information Technology & Director of Digital Transformation, Information Technology Services
  • Shona Milazo, Associate Vice President and Dean, Student Academic Services, Office of Student Life (Co-Chair)
  • Stephanie Sears, Associate Dean for Social Sciences, College of Arts & Sciences

Resources

Student Success, Retention and Equity Task Force (The previous student retention task force.)

Technology and Student Retention Strategies

To contact the task force, please email ssre@usfca.edu.