In order to increase graduation rates, EAB has recommended policy changes for higher education institutions to adopt in their new report.
Dr. Ed VenitAccording to EAB’s “Student Success Playbook,” on average, nearly one-third of students drop out of college before beginning their second year.
For many students, college registration creates both logistical and financial barriers. EAB suggested that institutions should no longer require students to complete paperwork, pay fees and complete other administrative tasks before registration. As a way to check in with students, schools should also send personal emails to those who have not yet registered, EAB reported.
The report recommended that all first-year students should be required to declare a major or a meta-major in order reduce the cost and time that is spent on taking unnecessary classes for a degree.
Technology should also be introduced during advising sessions as a way to identify those students who are showing signs of struggling academically. Lastly, to help with the college transition process, institutions should establish and expand more summer programs.
“Schools often fear that improving graduation rates will require massive, expensive, and disruptive institutional changes,” said EAB Managing Director Dr. Ed Venit. “While transformative change may still be necessary, EAB is suggesting a number of surprisingly practical strategies schools can execute quickly to make meaningful improvements.”
