When is persistence a positive attribute, and when is it a negative attribute. Grade Point Average Suppose the state reports that Podunk CC students have an average GPA of 3.25, and Santa Monica College students have an average GPA of 2.54. Logic clearly tells us the GPA is a measure of success, but how should it be used. Perhaps we can measure success in terms of program completion. Unfortunately, it is not always clear whether a student has completed the intended program.
Many students transfer without desiring or requesting an AA degree or certificate.
Some students transfer to other colleges missing several courses for an AA, as all they are interested in is a Bachelor's degree. Have we failed these students, or were we successful. We don't know how many students transfer to four-year colleges and universities, because most of these institutions do not tell us that our former students are enrolled with them. Attempts to establish a national database of student transfers has met with resistance, due to federal privacy laws. We don't always know whether our students have left the college to get a job.