I believe timing is everything. By having instructors being aware of student attendance and academic progress, attrition can be avoided. An intervention can be put in place to help the student be less stressed. If attendance is the issue we need to find the unlying cause. The answer may be as simple as arranging carpooling for the student. When it is noticed early tutoring can be arranged to help the student get organized with class and be taught study tips. A lot of the time these inventions is all it takes to help the student feel less stressed or overwhlemed. We are a small campus with small classes, so student issues are seen early. Our instructors will call a student if absent that day. This lets the student know that he was missed and is important.

I have implemented these ideas with good results at our campus. Stuent retention is important not only for the student but the college as well.