Mid-year retention ties record

Wartburg’s fall-to-winter retention rate increased two percent this year to 96 percent, which tie the highest rates in the past 10 years. 

The retention rate of 2003-2004 and 2006-2007 also reached 96 percent.

In past years, the college did not focus as much on fall-to-winter retention as the fall-to-fall retention, Vice President of Enrollment Management Edith Waldstein said. 

“With the uncertain economic times we are actually looking at mid-year retention more than we normally do, because there are a lot of colleges and universities that either have experienced already a significant drop because of the economy or are afraid that they might,” Waldstein said. 

The biggest retained group this year compared to last year was first-year men.  Last year, the rate was at 83 percent, while this year’s retention rate increased to 93 percent.

“First-years typically aren’t retained as well as upper-classmen. 

So, we are very pleased with this increase,” Waldstein said. 

Additionally, the retention of U.S. students of color and international students improved two percent compared to 2006-07.    

Waldstein said the big increases in retention are not typical, but are due to a combination of things. 

“Historically speaking, last year’s retention was particularly low.  Not only are we back to where we were, but our overall retention is better,” Waldstein said.  “Also, we changed some things this year, and

I think they came together.” 

The retention committee focused on changing things to make the overall student satisfaction better, Waldstein said. 

The Orange EXCELeration program was modified to include shorter class time and more free time during orientation.  Additionally, more efforts were taken in Pathways and the residence halls.

Waldstein also said the reason for an increase in retention rate could also be due to recruitment of a stronger first-year class.  

“We are all sitting a little bit on pins and needles because we think we have been doing a good job, but because of the economy, and nervousness in higher education in general, this year regarding enrollment overall we are really pleased,” Waldstein said.

Retention is measured twice a year from fall-to-winter and fall-to-fall.  The fall-to-winter retention rate is to monitor what Wartburg’s retention is after the first semester.