Tabor tops ACCK in students retained
Tabor College leads the Associated Colleges of Central Kansas (ACCK) consortium in one-year retention rates from fall 2001 to fall 2002.
Over the past seven years, Tabor College has been near the top in regards to highest retention, but this year, the college broke through and landed with the highest percentage.
Following Tabor College at 84 percent is Bethel College and Sterling College, both at 77 percent, Kansas Wesleyan University at 72 percent and McPherson College at 68 percent. Numbers were not available for Bethany College.
Don Krebs, director of retention, attributes the increased retention rates to three primary factors: students are recruited with higher ACT scores, higher grade point averages and better attendance records; when students learn and feel successful, they stay; and a greater emphasis placed on early assessment through a College Student Inventory and Student Satisfaction Inventory to create for each student an individual path to success.
"The success of Tabor College and the success of each student are inseparable," he said. "Retention just does not happen. Retention results when we put students squarely at the center of our focus (and) campus.
"Every employee on campus must get the credit. Each staff member is making it their purpose to help, influence and change individual lives."
Retention rates are based on full-time, degree-seeking students.
The ACCK is comprised of six area private, four-year liberal arts institutions: Bethany College, Bethel College, Kansas Wesleyan University, McPherson College, Sterling College and Tabor College.
