The Nevada System of Higher Education last week released preliminary numbers showing that a combination of programs designed to keep students enrolled at its community colleges and universities appears to be working.
The system has long struggled to increase its graduation rates — indeed, among first-time, full-time, degree-seeking students at the University of Nevada, Reno, the percentage increase in graduation rates has been marginal in the past decade, from 48.7 percent in 2002-03 to 51.4 percent in 2012-13.
But programs such as the 15-to-Finish program, and NSHE joining the Complete College America initiative, appear to be showing positive steps in keeping students enrolled and maintaining higher grade point averages (GPAs).
“Indicators show that these initiatives are working,” said Crystal Abba, vice chancellor of student and academic affairs for NSHE.
In an online report, NSHE indicated that “across all NSHE institutions, preliminary data on the percentage of students (by Fall 2014 credit load) who persisted to Spring 2015 indicate a substantially higher rate for students who enrolled in at least 12 credits in Fall 2014.”
Full-time enrollment usually translates to a greater commitment by students to stay in school and maintain higher GPAs, and students enrolling in 15 credits or more enhances that commitment, Abba said.
Though early indicators are positive, Abba said it is too soon to say that these programs will for sure have an impact on graduate rates, but the early signs suggest that graduation rates will go up over time.
