Frosh Retention Rate Skyrockets

By Sudhin Thanawala
Assistant News

This year a larger number of frosh at Wesleyan came back for more after completing their first year. The University’s retention rate for the class of 2001 has hit a 19 year high.

According to Vice President and Secretary of the University Peter Patton, 96% of last year’s frosh class has returned for their sophomore year, up from a past average of 92%. Each percentage point, added Patton, represents about 7 students.

"The University is doing a better job responding to minor concerns that cause people to leave," said Dean of First Year Students Maureen Heacock.

The retention rate is one of the statistics that determines a school’s rating in the US News and World Report annual rankings. Conversely, a high ranking could also lead to a higher retention rate although neither Patton or Heacock believe that the University’s rise from number 14 to number 9 contributed to the high retention rate.

"I think once students get here they are not terribly concerned about the ranking," Heacock said.

Patton said both the number of students transferring to other institutions and the number going on nonacademic leave were cut in half. He attributed the increased retention rate to the University’s focus on improving student services, specifically mentioning the efforts of Heacock to address student concerns and on-line registration.

"My experience with students I have advised is that they just don’t have the anxiety about course registration that we used to see," Patton said.

Heacock said students that have problems are provided support throughout their years at the University. She added that she thinks the University is unique in its openness to students choosing to transfer.

"I expect that a certain number of students will transfer every year. I work with them to try to help them identify what the issues are that are making them want to transfer."

Aaron Westman ’00 said he felt that many students interested in the arts transfer to capitalize on the formal training of an art school.

Westman transferred after his frosh year to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and returned to Wesleyan this year.

"I came back because I missed the campus feeling and being around non- musicians," Westman said. "I think the high retention rate is indicative of the fact that most every department has faculty members that are excited about what they are doing."

According to Dean of Admission Barbara Jan-Wilson, the increased retention rate corresponds to a decrease in the number of prospective frosh declining admission to the University.

"We have had less summer melt over the last two years," said Wilson, adding that this has led to four more students in the class of 2002 than expected.

According to Heacock and Patton, the increased retention rate has not put a strain on the University’s facilities.

"We planned for them. These people let us know they were coming back," Patton said.

Heacock added that only the number of spots open to transfer students will be affected by the high retention rate.

"Since Doug has been here we have made a great effort to improve student services," Patton said. "People aren’t frustrated with the school."