Interventions for first-time students informed with mixed methods analysis

Abstract

Using cognitive, non-cognitive and environmental factors, Montana State University developed a program to improve the persistence of at-risk first-time students. Cognitive factors include ACT and SAT scores and high school GPA. The Beginning College Survey of Student Engagement was used to assess non-cognitive factors. Environmental factors include engagement facilitated by the ChampChange program. Results indicate that students who engaged 20 or more times through the ChampChange program were retained 84% compared to 51% of students who engaged only 1-4 times. The aim of this presentation is to present the results of the study and discuss how implications for other campuses.