Bearing the Weight: Student Support Systems Inspiring Retention and Graduation at IU South Bend

Abstract

Faced with the possibility of federal funding cuts, public universities feel constant pres­sure to evaluate and increase retention and graduation rates among their students. Being a nontraditional campus with many nontraditional and diverse students, it becomes more imperative than ever to explore factors which contribute to low retention and graduation rates at IU South Bend. By examining prior literature on the topic and per­forming qualitative research with individual IU South Bend students, this study aims to identify, analyze, and propose solutions to keep IU South Bend students in school and on their way to timely graduation while simultaneously offering them the best education possible. Research methods used in this study include field observation of current students on campus and interviews with previous, current, and recently graduated students. Strengths and potential weaknesses of research methods used are also discussed. The major themes identified pertaining to student retention and graduation include support (or lack of) from parents, peers (in the form of campus involvement), professors, and academic advisors.