Tusculum College student retention rates highest in 10 years

Students were able to register to vote as part of the "Rock the Vote" and Constitution Day S.P.I.E.S. event in October. Other S.P.I.E.S. events have focused on such topics as physical fitness, good financial stewardship and respecting others faith and cultures.

With official 2016-17 enrollment numbers recorded in September, Tusculum College official have announced that student retention numbers are the highest in 10 years for the college’s residential program.

According to Lisa Johnson, associate vice president for academic affairs, student success and engagement, this year’s retention rate was recorded at 68 percent, 9.1 percent over the previous year, and beating the previous high of 62 percent in 2014.

Student retention is defined as the percentage of first-time, full-time undergraduate students who enter during a fall term and re-enroll the following fall term.

“Tusculum College is committed to supporting student growth in and outside the classroom,” said Dr. Johnson. “As reflected in our mission statement, our intention is to promote intellectual and social growth along with full preparation for professional life. Our commitment is to provide all necessary resources for authentic learning, persistence to graduation and readiness of our graduates to participate in their professional and civic spheres.”

A big part of this effort was the implementation of the college’s new Individual Health through Community Wellness program, called S.P.I.E.S. (social, physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual). A full schedule of weekly S.P.I.E.S. events have been implemented, which are held each Wednesday to address issues pertaining to S.P.I.E.S. health and wellness. According to Dr. Johnson, these events are interactive and include full engagement of faculty and staff and have been exceptionally well received by students.

Additionally, a peer mentoring program was implemented by Tusculum College’s Student Support Services department that provides peer mentors for students in both the residential and Graduate and Professional Studies programs. SSS staff are currently pursuing national certification for these programs.

Dr. Johnson added that the college’s Tutoring Center has experienced significant growth in utilization of services over previous years. The Nelson Learning Resources Program operated by the Tutoring Center provides students with textbooks for loan. “These services have been a key factor in the retention of several students.  The Nelson Learning Resources Project experiences have increased utilization each year.”