EducationDynamics Announces Breakout Sessions for its Inaugural National Dialog on Student Retention Conference



EducationDynamics, the leading firm dedicated to helping higher education institutions find, enroll and retain students, today released details on the comprehensive breakout sessions scheduled for its inaugural National Dialog on Student Retention Conference (http://www.educationdynamics.com/retention_conference) to be held in Atlanta on June 2-3, 2008.

The one-and-a-half-day conference is the single education event this year that will include critical information and expert advice for for-profit and not-for-profit institutions responsible for retaining students for graduate, undergraduate, on-campus and online programs. Senior administrators in the areas of marketing, admissions, enrollment management and student affairs will join keynote speaker Dr. George Kuh, a highly-regarded researcher of student engagement, as well as a line-up of renowned retention experts to discuss tried-and-true methods for retaining more students. Breakout sessions will feature the following topics and speakers:

11 a.m. Breakout Sessions, June 3rd

Session 1: Challenge the Statistics: Improving Student Retention through Online

Strategies

Speaker: Dr. Diann Martin, Kaplan University

Abstract: A case study outline of practical strategies used to achieve the highest student retention rate at Kaplan University's School of Nursing. The strategies flow from a theoretical model that has been operationalized to support persistence to graduation.

Session 2: Students Retaining Students: Peer Programs as a Means to Combat Attrition

Speaker: Jody Trost, Emily Jones, Shaun Mursell and Corey McAllister, Dalton State College

Abstract: Speakers will address two views of student-to-student programs and offer proven methods to identify and develop peer programs to enhance undergraduate engagement and success.

Session 3: One Strategy Does Not Fit All: Key Tenets of Successful Minority Student Retention

Speakers: Leeshawn Moore, Riverside Community College District; Dr. Idelia Phillips and Sheila

McCants, Manatee Community College; and Rodrick Moore, University of South Carolina

Abstract: Panel discussion will focus on the unique challenges presented by minority students and will cite examples of innovative programs that have produced successful academic outcomes.

1 p.m. Breakout Sessions, June 3rd

Session 1: Where Have All the Students Gone Attrition in Online and Campus-Based Master's Degree Programs

Speaker: Dr. Belinda Patterson, East Carolina University

Abstract: This study will examine how the mode of instructional delivery, campus face-to-face or online, affects dropout rates relative to students' academic and demographic characteristics.

Session 2: Success Compass: Predicting and Influencing Student Success

Speakers: Dr. Kristina Cragg and Dr. Kurt Keppler, Valdosta State University

Abstract: This session will help institutions more effectively identify at-risk freshmen and develop a Student Success Plan to increase academic success, as well as institutional

engagement and retention.

Session 3: Retain Others as You'd Want to be Retained: Retention Strategies Created By Adults, For Adults

Speakers: Dr. Ralph Rascati, Stephen Braden, Kathy Matthews and Judy S. Craven, Kennesaw

State University

Abstract: Presenters will discuss how to utilize data collected from the Foundation of Excellence self-study, results from the YFCY and NSSE surveys, and institutional data on GPA and retention, to design, implement and assess student success and retention.

The conference will also feature panel and round-table discussions, and workshops to provide additional in-depth information and perspectives. Dr. George Kuh, Director of the National Survey on Student Engagement, will headline the conference.

Early bird registration (http://www.educationdynamics.com/Conference/ConferenceRegistrationForm.aspx) for the National Dialog on Student Retention is available until May 9th at a cost of $199. Registration thereafter is $250 and space is limited. For more information on the conference, please visit http://www.educationdynamics.com/retention_conference.

About EducationDynamics

EducationDynamics is the leading marketing and information services company dedicated to helping higher education institutions find, enroll and retain students. Its content-rich and highly visible education websites, including EarnMyDegree.com elearners.com GradSchools.com StudyAbroad.com and its more than 50 special interest microsites, make EducationDynamics the premier provider of qualified prospective students for colleges and universities. In addition, the company offers a full suite of web-delivered services proven to drive enrollment growth and reduce student attrition. For more information, visit http://www.educationdynamics.com.





EducationDynamics Announces Breakout Sessions for its Inaugural National Dialog on Student Retention Conference