A Case study to Examine Student Retention at a Less Selective University with a High Rate of Retention
type: CreativeWork
description: This case study sheds light on successful matriculation practices which emerge from the combination of institutional efforts and student needs. In order to discern successful matriculation data was collected in the form of interviews, observations, and documents at a less selective college with a high rate of retention. Mortimer Adler College possesses unique qualities with respect to curriculum, student population, teaching styles, and student life which affect retention in both positive and negative ways. The institution utilizes a highly structured Great Books curriculum and does not utilize traditional grading and assessment methods. The methods of student socialization are also explored through interviews with faculty and administrators. The findings of this study reveal the qualities of Mortimer Adler College which both support and hinder student success. The study also gives insight to the views of students within this unique institutional setting, focusing on their needs and goals and how their perceptions of the institution impact retention. The review of practices at this institution combined with the perception of the student body allows for the examination of programs and practices employed by Mortimer Adler College which aid in improving and supporting high retention that may also be used at other institutions of higher education. Higher Education, Retention, Persistence, Great Books, Socialization, Faculty Student Relationships
abstract: This case study sheds light on successful matriculation practices which emerge from the combination of institutional efforts and student needs. In order to discern successful matriculation data was collected in the form of interviews, observations, and documents at a less selective college with a high rate of retention. Mortimer Adler College possesses unique qualities with respect to curriculum, student population, teaching styles, and student life which affect retention in both positive and negative ways. The institution utilizes a highly structured Great Books curriculum and does not utilize traditional grading and assessment methods. The methods of student socialization are also explored through interviews with faculty and administrators. The findings of this study reveal the qualities of Mortimer Adler College which both support and hinder student success. The study also gives insight to the views of students within this unique institutional setting, focusing on their needs and goals and how their perceptions of the institution impact retention. The review of practices at this institution combined with the perception of the student body allows for the examination of programs and practices employed by Mortimer Adler College which aid in improving and supporting high retention that may also be used at other institutions of higher education. Higher Education, Retention, Persistence, Great Books, Socialization, Faculty Student Relationships
author: Palmisano, Victoria M
keywords: Higher Education, Retention, Persistence, Great Books, Socialization, Faculty Student Relationships, Higher Education Administration
date published: 2012-05-18T07:00:00Z
date modified: 2026-07-24T05:29:36Z
provider: University of New Orleans
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: University of New Orleans