You Belong Here

How Faculty Can Help With Student Retention

1. Ask Students how things Are going. Demonstrate and communicate the ways you care about and believe in them. Be present and available.
2. Inform Students of Resources on campus and online that will help them be successful in a specific course or in their major.
3. Create an environment that encourages dialog with students and engage with students outside of class time.
4. Let students know the best way to reach out to you if they have questions.
5. Help students focus on academic and career goals. Relate coursework to each student's life purpose or professional goals.
6. If a student is not attending, doing poorly, or if you suspect a student is considering dropping out, ask him or her about it and offer assistance. If you see a student struggling, reach out or notify the campus care team.
7. Work closely with academic advisors through SSC Campus.
8. Incorporate active and collaborative approaches to teaching and learning. Practice inclusive teaching and diverse assessment to meet the needs of all students.
9. Provide opportunities for students to become engaged with other students as part of their academic program.
10. Remind students that we are glad they are here and that they are important.

How Staff Can Help With Student Retention

1. Ask students how things are going. Demonstrate and communicate the ways you care about them. Be present and available.
2. Be enthusiastic and helpful at all times. Positive energy is contagious.
3. Inform students of resources on campus that may be helpful to them.
4. Take a moment to call and connect students to faculty or staff who may be able to assist when they express need.
5. If a student is not attending, doing poorly, or if you suspect a student is considering dropping out, ask him or her about it and connect them with help. If you see a student struggling, reach out or notify the campus care team.
6. Tell your own story. Sometimes hearing that others have faced similar situations or circumstances is helpful and motivational.
7. Encourage students to engage in extracurricular activities on campus or in the community.
8. Help students to connect with community, peers, and classmates.
9. Make students more aware of UWF as an institution and how to make the most of their time here.
10. Remind students that we are glad they are here and that they are an important part of the UWF family.

How You and Your Peers Can Be Successful

1. Ask your classmates and peers how things are going.
2. Get to know your professors and encourage your classmates and peers to do the same.
3. Don't be afraid to ask questions and ask for help. Faculty and staff are here to support you.
4. Inform classmates and peers of resources that you have found useful in your academic career. Share resources that you use on campus, online, and in the community.
5. Create a circle of academic, professional, and personal support. This can include family, friends, and mentors. Check in with them frequently.
6. If a classmate or peer appears to be in trouble, encourage them to talk to a professor or advisor. If necessary, report your concern to a faculty or staff member to get help.
7. Be a listening ear to friends and peers who may just need to talk. Share your story. It is nice to know that others face similar circumstances.
8. Encourage your peers and classmates to get involved on campus and in the community.
9. Connect and have conversations with classmates outside of class. You may have similar goals.
10. Remember that YOU are an important part of the UWF family. We're glad you're here!

If you would like to request printed versions of the retention cards, please email fye@uwf.edu.