Although both non-ecore distance courses and f2f courses have retention around 88-91%, eCore retention hovers around 65-71%. This condition is consistent across the state. In the summer of 2006, Ms. Stacey Rowland (e-core coordinator) and Dr. Melanie Clay (Extended Degrees Assoc. Director) began working on a plan to increase eCore retention. The plan included data analysis and surveys, followed by an expanded and gated advisement program, a comprehensive orientation, and the addition of an eCore Mentor and an eCore Community Leader.
Analysis of the Summer 2007 results have just been compiled, and for the first time, eCore retention broke the 80% mark (81%). Previous eCore summer retention has ranged from 68% to a previous high of 75%. Also, of the 15 eCore courses offered summer term, 11 showed improvement in retention over Summer 2006. For example, in English Comp I and II retention increased from 87% to 95% (English Comp I), and from 71% to 91% (English Comp II). Retention in College Algebra increased from 68% to 82%. Retention in American Government increased from 75% to 90%, and from 79% to 89% in Psychology.
