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Student Retention & The Road to Success
Over the past 5 years that I've been a student at SFU, I've gained a higher level of understanding about life, a better perspective on society, and a greater sense of social responsibility. It's only natural then, that I feel a desire to see SFU succeed in helping other students achieve similar insights about the world around them. The path to completing a degree can be tough at times, especially due to factors in our personal lives. But as members of this great university, I think we owe it to each other to make the journey a little easier.
I read an article today about student retention which really got me thinking about students and the many obstacles they face. The fact that 30 percent of undergraduates do not end up finishing their degree is surprising, considering we all have to meet certain standards to be here in the first place. I will admit that I've been to the edge and back in terms of my "report card," but along the way I picked up some very valuable lessons which have gotten me to where I am today. Although it may seem like a cliche, it was ultimately hard work and perseverance that helped me to succeed.
Obviously, knowing what you want is an important first step to building a successful career, but it often involves confusing and difficult decisions. Asking questions and discussing options is a great way to find a focus. With that said, it is great to see the forum being used for this purpose. The members here are helpful and full of experience which you can benefit from. Who better to get advice and opinions from then other students!
I read an article today about student retention which really got me thinking about students and the many obstacles they face. The fact that 30 percent of undergraduates do not end up finishing their degree is surprising, considering we all have to meet certain standards to be here in the first place. I will admit that I've been to the edge and back in terms of my "report card," but along the way I picked up some very valuable lessons which have gotten me to where I am today. Although it may seem like a cliche, it was ultimately hard work and perseverance that helped me to succeed.
Obviously, knowing what you want is an important first step to building a successful career, but it often involves confusing and difficult decisions. Asking questions and discussing options is a great way to find a focus. With that said, it is great to see the forum being used for this purpose. The members here are helpful and full of experience which you can benefit from. Who better to get advice and opinions from then other students!
Comments
I was reading something in that SFU newsletter and I was surprised of how many people are actually kicked out, or put on academic suspension. From what I read i think more people got suspended than dropped out
I heard about this guy who ran a car dealership. Apparently he used to fire one car salesman per month. No matter what each person sold, the employee with the lowest sales always got canned. The employees were in perpetual competition for their jobs.
I say university shouldn't be like this. University should have objective standards.
Actually, now that I think about it, competition can be pretty productive.
Still, when someone asks me for help in a class, I'm thinking in the back of my mind "If I don't help this person, they'll do worse in the class and my grade will be better because of it".
The school gave her plenty of time. She just didnt even try.
Who cares if the student retention rate is high. Higher retention rates means more course availability for upper level coures. Also, higher retention rate mean less university graduate and the value of our degree will become more than right now.