This fall, Ashland University had the highest freshman-to-sophomore class retention rate on record – with 80 percent of last fall’s AU freshmen returning to continue their work toward becoming the next generation of AU graduates. AU Provost Dr. Eun-Woo Chang attributes this success to the hardworking staff and faculty members within Ashland University. “This is truly a significant achievement for our University, and it shows that we are on the right path toward supporting our students,” said Dr. Chang. “I am so proud of and grateful for every person who works daily to create such a positive learning environment that clearly inspires the personal growth of our students.” The 80 percent rate is the highest recorded retention rate on the AU campus going back as far as data is available in the Integrated PostSecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). The rate applies to the first-time, full-time, degree-seeking freshman cohort that started taking classes in the fall of 2015. Ronald Mickler, director of the Center for Academic Support, said he is very pleased to see this high retention rate. “Having achieved an 80 percent retention rate is a significant achievement for Ashland University,” Mickler said. “This benchmark is a clear indicator that the coordination and communication between the faculty, the Center for Academic Support and the Ashland University community as a whole are having a positive impact on the students’ experience.”