I write to remind you that Penn State, like comparable universities, faces a significant challenge each year; about 16 percent of Penn State freshmen University-wide do not return for their sophomore year. I continue to be concerned about this statistic since Penn State only admits students who are considered intellectually capable of succeeding.
Studies of freshman-year attrition suggest that drop-out behavior usually begins to surface in the first four to six weeks of the fall semester. It is less often due to a lack of academic preparation than to other factors related to social experience. There also is evidence of "drop-out contamination" -- the tendency for students to be influenced negatively in this regard by others.
I am asking all faculty to make a special effort this fall to look for early signs that your freshmen students and advisees may need help. This is, of course, best accomplished by getting to know the students and taking that extra time to ask how things are going for them. I am confident that even the most modest of interventions can make a difference.
Such attrition is a terrible waste of the student's talent and the University's resources. Again, I ask you to make the extra effort in the coming weeks. There are many resources available to help students. If you are unsure of where to send students, please refer them to the academic or student affairs offices on your campus.
I sincerely appreciate your assistance with this important responsibility.
For a more complete listing of University Park resources, see the Web at http://www.psu.edu/ur/INTERCOM/resources.html.
Penn State has many programs and services to assist students. The publication Preface has more details on programs that can help students get their first year off to a successful start. (Preface is available in the HUB, Shields Building and residence hall areas.)
* Assistance and Information
HUB Desk, 863-2020
* Center for Adult Learner Services
323 Boucke, 863-3887
* Center for Counseling and Psychological Services
221 Ritenour, 863-0395
* Center for Women Students
102/120 Boucke, 863-2027
* Multicultural Resource Center
122 Grange, 865-1773
* Office for Disability Services
105 Boucke, 863-1807