The Veenstra Student Retention Model
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The Veenstra Model for Freshman Engineering Retention is derived from the education research literature. It is designed to model both freshman engineering retention and freshman general college retention. The model has identified nine pillars for student success.
Pillars for Student Success
- High School Academic Achievement
- Quantitative Skills
- Study Habits
- Commitment to Career and Educational Goals
- Confidence in Quantitative Skills
- Commitment to Enrolled College
- Financial Needs
- Family Support
- Social Engagement
For a high freshman retention rate, a college must establish a first year culture that is both process-oriented and supports positive learning experiences for its students. Consistent with the model, the successful college provides student support programs to help students use their strengths to overcome weaknesses in the nine pillars for student success. Veenstra and Associates will consult with colleges on a strategy for addressing these needs.
More detail on this model is available in the ASEE Advances in Engineering Education article, (Winter 2009) "A Model for Freshman Engineering Retention"
