Tennessee Tech has set a modern era record retention rate of some 80.1 percent of students returning to campus.
Tech Vice President for Enrollment and Communication Karen Lykins said improving retention is a campus wide effort. Lykins said student challenges can lead to students leaving the University.
“The first year is when students are the most vulnerable, when the changes are great from high school to college,” Lykins said. “So it’s very important in that first year to get their feet under them both academic and socially.”
For instance, Lykins said dual enrollment students may be academically prepared, but have trouble adapting to the social aspect.
Lykins said freshman retention is a big deal for Tech. Lykins said if students stay on campus, they are more likely to be successful.
“The ultimate goal is not to enroll, but to finish,” Lykins said. “And to get that terrific career that they’ve been shooting for.”
Lykins said the Launchpad freshman advising center is a big part of the effort, as it helps with getting students through their first year of college.
Lykins said there have been some changes to everyday life that might impact retention, many of which stem from the COVID-19 pandemic. Lykins said students may come from a lifestyle of disconnection because of the time spent online. Lykins said for many students, college may be the first time kids have to break out of their shells.
Lykins said newer students may simply need more time to learn and adjust to the college lifestyle because of how different it may have been from their previous educational experiences.
Lykins said Tech excels at their pitch and message students receive before they arrive on campus. Lykins said there is an emphasis on helping students connect with their peers on something they have in common, be it academically or through a club.
Lykins said another thing that helps with retention is keeping freshmen engaged in their coursework.
“That’s the number one indicator that they will do well and be retained at the end of the year is simply class attendance,” Lykins said. “Going. Attending. And we try to help them with those. We have early alert systems if you’re not going to class. Not to get you in trouble, but someone will bring you resources.”
The student census data said Tech will have a student population of some 10,700 this semester, which is the largest since 2015. Of that group, some 3,000 are new students, and just over 2,000 of the new students are freshmen.
