Many colleges and universities in Michigan are pushing efforts to attract new students. But studies show more work needs to be done to keep the students that are already there.
Some reports show half of all students who start college don't graduate. Some institutions are working to address that problem. North Central Michigan College in Petoskey is in the middle of a five-year federal grant to improve student retention. Naomi DeWinter is Dean of Student Services. She says much of their work is focused on helping students with remedial course work.
"It's important to us to give them the tools to succeed rather than say 'Hey, welcome! Navigate yourself and have a good time and let us know when you're done' We want to be a little bit more proactive and hold their hands as much as they need it so that they can reach those goals."
DeWinter says when students drop out, they often leave with a bad impression of college and a lot of student debt. She says, by contrast students who graduate build a stronger workforce and may help improve Michigan's economy.
Some reports show half of all students who start college don't graduate. Some institutions are working to address that problem. North Central Michigan College in Petoskey is in the middle of a five-year federal grant to improve student retention. Naomi DeWinter is Dean of Student Services. She says much of their work is focused on helping students with remedial course work.
"It's important to us to give them the tools to succeed rather than say 'Hey, welcome! Navigate yourself and have a good time and let us know when you're done' We want to be a little bit more proactive and hold their hands as much as they need it so that they can reach those goals."
DeWinter says when students drop out, they often leave with a bad impression of college and a lot of student debt. She says, by contrast students who graduate build a stronger workforce and may help improve Michigan's economy.
