However, we are 9th in the Big 12. These are 1996 figures and we are doing better. For the last three years an average of 981 freshman did not return the following fall and of those 443 were in good academic standing. The most common features of prior studies of enrollment, recruitment, and retention are twofold. First, few of the recommendations were implemented and second, none of the studies provided for a mechanism to implement or monitor the recommendations.
Good students are scarce resources that are critical to the success of the university.
Degree completion is not the only measure of institutional success, but it is the most important single measure. Retention to graduation must be a significant institutional value. Admission standards at OSU are appropriate to the institutional role, mission and enrollment environment and are sufficient for a conclusion that all students admitted are capable of succeeding here academically. The leading academic task is to facilitate the success of the students who are enrolled. The primary marginal factors in retention are internal and subject to institutional influence while those of recruitment are external and subject to only limited institutional influence.