Submitting Campus

Worldwide

Department

Mathematics, Science and Technology

Document Type

Article

Publication/Presentation Date

4-24-2024

Abstract/Description

This white paper argues that the current system for collecting data on student withdrawals at their university is inadequate. The current withdrawal form lacks detail and makes it difficult to understand the reasons why students leave courses. This is a problem because it hinders efforts to improve student persistence (completion of courses).

Key Points:

  • The university's strategic plan emphasizes student experience, enrollment management, and academic excellence. High withdrawal rates undermine these goals.
  • Researchers developed a research-based nuanced framework for understanding withdrawal reasons.
  • The current withdrawal form offers limited options for students to explain why they are withdrawing; the current form doesn't capture the details outlined in the research framework.
  • Incomplete data makes it difficult to develop interventions and support systems to address withdrawal causes.

The proposed solution is to form an ad hoc senate committee to establish a new withdrawal documentation process involving key stakeholders like course developers, advisors, and department chairs. More detailed and accurate withdrawal reason data can be used to improve courses, provide targeted supports, and ultimately increase student success.

Overall, the paper argues for a data-driven approach to understanding student withdrawals.

Publication Title

Zenodo

DOI

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11094757

Publisher

Zenodo

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