Anti-Racism Task Force Update
Posted February 26, 2021
February 26, 2021
Campus Community,
We will continue to regularly update the campus on our on-going efforts to address the Anti-Racism Task Force (ARTF) recommendations. Our topic today is Black Student Retention and Graduation:
Black Student Retention and Graduation
In February’s ARTF meeting, Dr. Carrie Butts-Wilmsmeyer presented a longitudinal analysis of all students, identifying which student cohorts are less likely to graduate SIUE and when. However, the critical time points for student groups differed. For our Black male students, that time point was during the first year. Therefore, we examined one-year retention rates for this group, with the intent of later going back and examining other racially minoritized and underserved student groups in more detail.
Focusing on just Black males, we identified three variables that were highly predictive of success: participation in at least SOAR or GAME, reducing their unmet need and high school grade point average (GPA). These last two variables are also important for other student groups, but in a different fashion. Campus-wide, the most predictive variable was HS GPA, followed by unmet need. However, for our Black male students, this trend is reversed. What is more, the social engagement provided through activities such as SOAR and GAME is even more important than financial and academic predictors.
By providing social and financial supports, both our predicted and observed one-year retention rates of Black male students improved. Not only did these rates improve, their retention rates more closely mirrored those of other student groups. We have a subgroup meeting regularly and are working with various offices to develop strategies informed by this analysis.
Next Steps: We are working to understand and dismantle barriers to student success. As we learn more about the key time points, other factors that are most critical to student retention and what efforts are most effective at supporting student success, this data will inform decisions about how and where to make additional investments.
We are proud to serve with you.
Randy Pembrook, Chancellor
Denise Cobb, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Jessica Harris, Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Rachel Stack, Vice Chancellor for Advancement
Morris Taylor, Vice Chancellor for Administration
Jeffrey Waple, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
