This chapter introduces a 4 Ps framework for student retention strategies—profile, progress, process, and promise. This framework provides a comprehensive approach to focusing retention research and strategies in ways that can improve institutional retention and completion rates.
The first “P” within a 4 Ps framework of student retention—profile—recognizes that an institution's retention and graduation rates are highly predictable, largely a function of the institutional and student profile, and are more a function of what the institution is rather than what it does.
The second “P” within a 4 Ps framework of student retention—progress—focuses on ensuring that students are making satisfactory academic progress, rather than just persisting, toward degree completion.
The third “P” within a 4 Ps framework of student retention—process—gives priority attention to institutional processes and policies that either help or hinder the continuous enrollment of all students, not just students defined as “at risk.”
The fourth “P” within a 4 Ps framework of student retention—promise—connects retention strategies with institutional brand strategies so that marketing and retention become mutually reinforcing.
This chapter provides illustrations of a profile-oriented approach to retention through a discussion of test-optional policies and use of non-cognitive variables in the admission process.
This chapter offers several principles and institutional examples of the ways that student-centered process- and progress-related improvements enhance students' experiences and outcomes.
This chapter highlights institutional examples of intentional approaches to ensuring that every student's experience reflects the promise of the institutional brand or mission as well as the distinct and differentiating nature of the institution's educational philosophy and purpose.
This chapter considers how addressing the essential role of faculty in an institution's retention efforts can be enhanced by leveraging new accreditation requirements regarding retention and graduation outcomes.
This chapter summarizes some of the themes that characterize a 4 Ps orientation to institutional retention strategy and offers an example of how one institution has used this approach to structure its retention efforts.