Identification of Skill-Appropriate Courses to Improve Retention of At-Risk College Freshmen

Identifying and supporting high-risk students are critical to increasing retention and persistence. What makes some high-risk students able to succeed, while others attrit? This article argues that early success in college courses is a key factor in resilience among high-risk students. Enrolling students in skill-appropriate courses during their first semester can serve as a buffer against vulnerability in high-risk students. This article presents an approach to identifying risk factors, determining which courses are skill-appropriate, and adjusting student advising to improve long-term student success. An example case from a small public 4-year college is analyzed to demonstrate the process, and the results indicate a potential for dramatic increases in persistence to graduation among high-risk students. Short- and long-term implementation strategies as well as benefits to both students and institutions are discussed.