Student Connections: The Critical Role of Student Affairs and Academic Support Services in Retention Efforts

Abstract

The connections we establish in college are transformative and redirect our lives to make lasting impacts on others around us and in the world. Student affairs and academic support services can make the difference in whether students drop out, fail academically or succeed in their college and career aspirations and realize a personal vision for their future. This research examines the impact of these connections on student retention in college when controlling for common predictors, and reminds us that retention is a campus-wide effort, with student affairs and academic support services serving critical roles. The article also discusses how a large open-admissions university utilized these services to promote student success.