Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Factors Affecting Student Retention At a Midsized Private University

Abstract Details

2016, Doctor of Education, Ashland University, College of Education.
In this study, I identified institutional actions that reduce student attrition using a mixed-methods research design. The research question asked, “What multitheoretical retention levers can be identified to reduce student attrition at CVU?” A theoretical framework influenced by Braxton’s (2000) research on the complex problem of student departure guided the study. Quantitative data from a student satisfaction survey were used to develop and implement a qualitative protocol. A thematic analysis of phone interviews resulted in the generation of a number of institutional actions that are known to improve student retention. These included providing students with clear lines of communication about campus goals, values, policies, and procedures; communicating expectations related to academic policies and course requirements; and optimizing the advisor–student dynamic. The research findings demonstrated that multitheoretical retention levers can be identified using a mixed-methods design.
Harold Wilson, PhD (Committee Chair)
James Olive, PhD (Committee Co-Chair)
Linda Billman, PhD (Committee Member)
96 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • McPherson, G. R. (2016). Factors Affecting Student Retention At a Midsized Private University [Doctoral dissertation, Ashland University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ashland1465987353

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • McPherson, Gary. Factors Affecting Student Retention At a Midsized Private University. 2016. Ashland University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ashland1465987353.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • McPherson, Gary. "Factors Affecting Student Retention At a Midsized Private University." Doctoral dissertation, Ashland University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ashland1465987353

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)