Path to success: Examining a multifaceted retention model for major pathways students at a large, diverse research university

Abstract

This study examines a retention model designed for the understudied, at-risk, Major Pathways students, at a large, diverse, research university. Major Pathways students were defined as undergraduates who initially selected their major during the admission process and while they were accepted to the institution, they were not admitted into their desired major/college primarily due to their math test scores. The retention model included a strategic new student orientation, marketing/outreach, proactive academic advising, and a specialized first-year seminar. The fall-to-spring retention rate increased from 84.5% to 88.5% to 89.6% to 89.7% and increased the fall-to-fall retention rate by 12.9 percentage points.