Start Of Semester Retention Strategies

Research suggests that quality faculty interaction is the most important factor in student retention, motivation, and involvement. These best practices focus on supporting students during the first three weeks of the semester. By following these suggestions at the start of the semester, faculty can create opportunities to strengthen connections between faculty and students and provide additional support early in the semester.

We encourage all faculty to implement as many of these elements into your classes as you are able. With faculty support of this initiative, we can make a difference in UVU students being serious about, and engaged in, their studies. 

Best Practices

  • Require attendance for the first three weeks of class. 
  • Establish learning communities within the class. 
  • Get to know the names and their correct pronunciations of every student in your class.  
  • Make sure students understand what is expected of them to achieve academic success in the class.  
  • Participate in Early Alert provided through the Student Success Center. 

Two students smiling and sitting in the Fulton Library.

Early AlertAn instructor explains a concept to a student standing a whiteboard.
Retention Recommendations
for FacultyA group of faculty watching a presentation.