Enrollment Increases 128% In Six Years - Tiffin University

Promoting
The issue of “student retention” is a hot topic among colleges and
universities across the country.
As Annette Staunton, Tiffin University’s Chief Retention Officer, explains,
“Everyone recognizes that they could be doing more to ensure student
success.”
However, student success – leading to graduation, a career, or a postgraduate
degree – isn’t all about what happens in the classroom. Other
potential roadblocks to ultimate success include social affiliations, the cost of
a college education, and overall satisfaction with the collegiate experience.
“We act as advocates for students,” Staunton explains. “We have developed a
systematic approach to reach out to our students at three different levels to
improve student retention. These include issues addressing the needs of the
individual student, issues meeting the needs of special student populations,
30 CHALLENGE > Fall / Winter 09
Student Success
and issues that can have a broad impact on most of our student population.”
Staunton is responsible for coordinating retention strategies for traditional
Tiffin campus students. She also serves as the Executive Director of Enrollment
Services, overseeing the Registration and Records Office, Financial Aid Office,
the Director of the Adult Student Services, the Director of Student Retention
Services, Success Coaches and the MINIYA Program.
“Regular personal interactions with students are necessary to identify and
resolve the student’s challenges,” she says. “With frequent communication,
students are more likely to remain in school and obtain their degree. We
communicate with students through direct contact, including one-on-one
support, phone calling, emails and postcards.”