Spring Break
Retention rates on rise at OSU
University develops special programs to keep incoming students interested
Amy Rinkle
Issue date: 10/3/07 Section: News
One in five Oregon high school graduates dropped out of public universities statewide before their sophomore year in 2004, reported the Albany Democrat-Herald.
What is Oregon State doing to make sure its freshmen succeed in their education?
Kristen Winter, director of new student programs and family outreach, said OSU has a three-step orientation plan for incoming freshmen.
Programs like START, Connect Week and Odyssey classes help new students feel comfortable during their first term of college.
There are five conditions that promote student success.
Winter said the first is placing students in an environment that expects them to excel.
"OSU needs to be a positive influence on each and every student," she said. The second condition is providing academic, social and personal support to each individual.
"It's very important that students receive a mixture of all of these aspects," Winter said. "Each one plays an important role to a student's well-being."
Frequent and early feedback from professors is a third condition for success.
"Student and teacher interaction is key for learning," Winter said.
Students do need to have self-motivation to do well - but it is also the university's responsibility to provide an active learning environment.
OSU's three-step orientation plan is designed to introduce students to all five conditions.
"The START program allows new students to become familiar with the campus settings, while Connect Week is a social time for students to interact with one another," Winter said.
Odyssey classes create a support system for students. If they need help their first term of college, they can receive it there.
Richard Bradley, a freshman majoring in business, said he enjoys his Odyssey class.
"It's very informative and useful," Bradley said. "If I have any questions about campus or college life I can ask it during class and receive an answer."
What is Oregon State doing to make sure its freshmen succeed in their education?
Kristen Winter, director of new student programs and family outreach, said OSU has a three-step orientation plan for incoming freshmen.
Programs like START, Connect Week and Odyssey classes help new students feel comfortable during their first term of college.
There are five conditions that promote student success.
Winter said the first is placing students in an environment that expects them to excel.
"OSU needs to be a positive influence on each and every student," she said. The second condition is providing academic, social and personal support to each individual.
"It's very important that students receive a mixture of all of these aspects," Winter said. "Each one plays an important role to a student's well-being."
Frequent and early feedback from professors is a third condition for success.
"Student and teacher interaction is key for learning," Winter said.
Students do need to have self-motivation to do well - but it is also the university's responsibility to provide an active learning environment.
OSU's three-step orientation plan is designed to introduce students to all five conditions.
"The START program allows new students to become familiar with the campus settings, while Connect Week is a social time for students to interact with one another," Winter said.
Odyssey classes create a support system for students. If they need help their first term of college, they can receive it there.
Richard Bradley, a freshman majoring in business, said he enjoys his Odyssey class.
"It's very informative and useful," Bradley said. "If I have any questions about campus or college life I can ask it during class and receive an answer."
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