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Show A6 other schools in the state, Program Coordinator Marcy Glassford said that comparisons with most schools in Utah wouldn't be equal. "We can't really compare ourselves to BYU or University of Utah where they only accept students that are already at a certain academic level. So their retention rate is off the charts, whereas we will accept students that are not prepared at all. And they are more likely to struggle." She said than instead, our university compares itself with other schools of the same type. Those sister institutions include Weber State in Utah, as well as several schools across the nation: BYU-Idaho, Boise State, Mesa State, and even as far as University of Alaska Anchorage. Kearns explains that among sister institutions, our retention department is doing rather well. "If you compare us with our sister institutions — open-enrollment type schools — we're in the game, we're right there where they are. In fact, we're a little bit higher than some of our comparison group." If the past five years is any indication, that success is going to continue. RETENTION firm Al a connection with the people on the campus, explains Kearns. "When you talk to students about what keeps them in school, it's often their connection with an academic advisor and with their faculty — just being connected in general. So a lot our efforts are in those areas." That's where employees like Angela Roberts do their work. Roberts, a student herself, works with students on a one-on-one basis. Through the Early Alert program, she gets a heads up on students that may be headed toward failing or even dropping out. She told one of her success stories: "Last summer I received an alert about a student who was a repeat alert. She had had some trouble the previous semester, and was going through the same thing again, so I knew it was somebody that I needed to help right away. I e-mailed her and she came into my office to talk about what she could do." Roberts then steered the student toward a learning strategist. Learning strategists are members of SSRI that help students with test time management, learning styles, test taking anxiety, and testing skills. The student set up an appointment with the learning strategist, and soon e-mailed Roberts to thank her. "Thanks so much for the information you provided; it really helped. What I need is to get help with the testing anxiety and be better at multi-tasking while in class and while studying. Thank you again for your help. I'm sure that this will make a difference." When asked how this type of success measures against Retention rates for incoming freshman 2003-2009 5000 4000 3000 u CD CO 2000 J 1000 O O O o o CD O O t> O O Top 4 reasons students drop out 00 O O Schedule conflicts with work 21.3% Family responsibilities or child care 15.1% Courses/programs not available <Ji O O Years 2003 - 2009 NEWS Invigorating the economy By Danni Freeman Christine Ruth/UVU Review News Writer President Holland's new business engagement strategy promises to be an important opportunity for local businesses. Holland hopes to build mutually beneficial relationships between the various organizations in the community and UVU. To read the full online exclusive article, visit www.UVUReview.com. Lessons learned, pathways forward 13.8% | Incoming students Insufficient financial aid 13.2% ;_ Returning students* Info Provided by the UVU Student Success •Numbers adjusted to include military departments, missionary service etc. and Retention Initiative More and more freshman are returning the following year according to this years trend. Christine Ruth/UVU Review By Jason Nowa News Writer On Nov. 5, during the Utah International Higher Education day-long summit, Utah schools focused on how campuses around the nation have incorporated studies with an international flavor. To read the full online exclusive article, visit www.UVUReview.com.instead of just the classroom lectures." CYBER from A l Websites to help victims of cyberbutlying www.NCPC.org www.StopCyberbullying.org www.Cyberbullying.us Photo courtesy of UWEP The Utah Women and Education Summit explores why Utah's female graduation rate is below the national average. Encouraging Utah women to value higher education By Jessica Buraham Copy Editor The female college graduation rate in Utah is significantly lagging behind its national counterparts, the national average being 51 percent while Utah averages only 49 percent. UVU trails behind at 43 percent. The Utah Women and Education Project (UWEP) has been investigating this issue, reviewing relevant literature and studying the results from their own research. While the research and policy briefs they published in January and May of 2010 elucidated the conterlt of exisrine literature, thev are ready to share the results of their own original studies. The Utah Women and Education Summit, to be held on Friday, Nov. 12, from 8:30 ajn. to 1:30 p.m. in SC 206, will reveal the findings of their research, which is specific to Utah women. UWEP Director Susan Madsen will be the primary presenter, with further presentations given by WEP staff. 'The summit is meant to inform the general public and those involved in higher education," said UWEP Coordinator Nicolle Johnson, "ft will disseminate the results of our primary data and provide insight into our find- ings, which were not previously available." Most importantly, dialogue will be instigated regarding the steps necessary to transform research into action. Additionally, the full-length articles, scheduled to be released in the spring, will include the primary research data and its implications for Utah women. To attend the summit costs $25. Those interested in registering and keeping up to date with UWEP events anftresearch can visit their website at www.UVU.edu/wep or their blog at www.WomenandEducationProject. BIogspot.com While most of the help out there is geared toward teenagers, there is help available right here at UVU. Ashley Robertson, program coordinator for Judicial Affairs, says that if a student feels that they are being harassed, they can come in and talk about it. "We use the UVU Code of Conduct to determine the student's rights," says Robertson. "If it is determined the student is responsible, the school would take action depending on the severity." UVU Student Code of Conduct: "Failure to respect the rights of every person to be secure from fear, threats, intimidation, harassment, hazing and/or physical harm caused by the activities of groups or individuals." ^'"-v In addition to the Office of Judicial Affairs & Ombudsman, students can also contact UVU Police Department if feel they are being harassed on campus or by another student. "If a student feels threatened, they should contact us," says Cru'ef John C. Brewer. 'They can start with us and we'll give them advice. SAVE, PRINT or COPY: If you or someone you know may be a victim of cyberbullying, UVU Police suggest that you save, print and/or copy any and all material related to the incident before coming in to talk with the police. While there are currently no cases of cyberbullying being investigated on campus, there are options for help. Another resource available to students is Student Health Services. Students can receive counseling to help deal with difficult issues confronting them. JC Graham of Student Health Services cautions against comparing the damage caused by cyber-bully(ing and harassment. "1 think it is difficult to measure degrees of hurtfulness," says Graham. "Each person's experience is individual and comparing degrees of hurtfulness may minimize a person's experience." Student Health Services location: SC-221 Phone: 801-863-8876 http://www.uvu .edu/studenihealih/ |