A Commitment to Quaker Values and Academic Excellence

Wilmington College (WC) stands as a beacon of educational excellence, deeply rooted in historic Quaker values that encompass integrity, service, simplicity, equality, peace, social justice, and respect for all individuals. With a student population of approximately 1,100 on the main campus and an additional 50 enrolled in two branches in Cincinnati, the college offers a close-knit community where the majority of students hail from Ohio. As a baccalaureate-level institution providing 23 majors, WC is particularly renowned for its signature programs in agriculture. Notably, it is the only private college in Ohio, and one of just 12 nationwide, offering a four-year degree in agriculture.

WC's dedication to serving a diverse student body is exemplified by its commitment to first-generation college students and those from families with an annual income of less than $50,000. This demographic makeup presents unique challenges, as approximately 50 percent of students are first-generation, and 43 percent receive Pell grants. Despite the financial and academic challenges faced by many of its students, WC remains steadfast in its mission to improve student retention and academic success through innovative approaches.

Challenges and Opportunities: Building a Culture of Assessment

WC has recognized the pressing need to build a robust culture of assessment, which is essential for strategic planning and data-informed decision-making. This endeavor, however, is not without its challenges. Faculty and staff often lack the necessary experience and knowledge to effectively gather, interpret, and integrate data into their decision-making processes. Compounding this issue is the college's outdated technology infrastructure, which hampers the timely access to meaningful data. Furthermore, economic constraints due to lower enrollment and a high discount rate limit the resources available for technological upgrades, staff training, and the expansion of retention initiatives.

The college's journey toward self-sufficiency and enhanced capacity to serve low-income, first-generation students is part of a broader effort to improve academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability. Central to this mission is the adoption of a culture that embraces data-driven decision-making, which is expected to positively impact student achievement and retention. Acknowledging the transformative potential of analytics in higher education, WC is committed to leveraging these tools to enhance institutional effectiveness across various domains, from individual student success to administrative efficiency.

The Role of Predictive Analytics in Student Retention

In 2012, WC embarked on an intensive self-study process in preparation for reaccreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The HLC report highlighted a critical issue: data was being collected but not effectively analyzed or shared. Much of this information remained siloed within various departments, inhibiting comprehensive assessment and decision-making. The insights gained from this self-study have been invaluable for the Title III committee in addressing the college's assessment deficiencies.

To address these challenges, WC has implemented Ruffalo Noel Levitz’s (RNL) Student Retention Predictor (SRP), a comprehensive tool that utilizes predictive modeling to assess a student's likelihood of being retained. By analyzing historical enrollment data, RNL developed a predictive model that identifies at-risk students based on observed risk factors. In the fall of 2018, every freshman participated in the College Student Inventory (CSI), an online non-cognitive assessment that measures student strengths, challenges, attitudes, and receptivity to support. Based on the historical data gathered by RNL, each student received an SRP score that detailed their likelihood of retention.

Of the 106 students identified as unlikely to be retained, 95 remain enrolled at WC. This success is largely attributable to the proactive efforts of Student Success Coaches (SSCs), who employ a holistic coaching approach to guide students and understand their motivations. By providing early identification and intervention for at-risk students, SSCs have played a pivotal role in supporting student retention. The integration of analytics has also fostered cross-divisional communication, further enhancing the college's ability to identify and address student needs.

Outcomes and Future Directions: Enhancing Institutional Effectiveness

The initial success of WC's new advising model and the work of the SSCs underscore the potential of predictive analytics in improving student retention. Studies, such as Inside Track's research on first-year student coaching, have demonstrated that students receiving targeted coaching are more likely to persist in their studies. While it is still early to definitively claim that increased technology and predictive analytics are driving retention improvements, the positive impact of these initiatives on the college's advising services is evident.

As WC continues to evolve its outcomes measurement strategies, several key metrics will be used to assess progress. These include increased persistence to the second term, improved first-year retention rates, enhanced retention to the fifth semester, and higher graduation rates. Additionally, the college aims to improve advising services, align resources with student needs, and increase the utilization of student services.

Achieving these goals necessitates strong leadership from the administration, which will be critical in changing how data is used across the institution. By providing concrete examples of data integration into key decision-making processes, the college can garner support for its initiatives. Comprehensive professional training and a commitment to developing a culture of assessment will further solidify WC's position as a leader in data-driven education.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Wilmington College's ongoing efforts to enhance student retention and institutional effectiveness through data analytics and assessment underscore its commitment to educational excellence and inclusivity. By addressing the challenges of outdated systems and fostering a culture of assessment, WC is paving the way for a brighter future for its students. As the college continues to refine its strategies and leverage the power of data, it remains steadfast in its mission to empower students, uphold its Quaker values, and contribute to a more just and equitable society.

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