Students don’t decide to leave in May.
They decide to leave in October.
It starts slowly, building through small occurrences that might be invisible to an outside observer. A rough midterm grade. An event they didn’t know was happening. A class where no one knows their name. The third game in a row they’ve lost. An unexpected bill they don’t have the money to pay. A hold on their account with no clear directions on how to resolve it. One missed class that turns into three because they haven’t found the motivation to return.
By the time spring registration rolls around, many students have already decided they won’t be coming back. They just haven’t told us yet.
Yes, there are things we cannot do to prevent attrition. But sometimes, without realizing it, we contribute to that decision. A balance, a deadline, a confusing policy, an unfortunate situation, an email gone unanswered, or a closed door when a student needs someone. No one intends harm by these actions, but the consequences can be significant.
This upcoming week is the time to pay attention. Look at who has stopped showing up. Look at who hasn’t responded in a while. Look who stopped logging in. Look at who is wearing their stress on their face. Look at who used to stop by the office but has stopped coming around.
Then reach out. Not with a bulk email or a pre-made template, but with a personal check-in that starts with the student, not the problem.
A two-minute check-in can change the trajectory of someone’s Saint Mary’s journey.
So, who can you check in on this week?
Winona Campus Resources:
Peer Tutoring Sign Up Link: https://web.penjiapp.com/communities/jAZToZMKE9/learn
Peer Mentoring Sign Up Link: https://web.penjiapp.com/communities/I5Q8PcsGNR/learn
Student Success Sign Up Link: https://web.penjiapp.com/communities/RAWLa76ksG/teach
In Person Counseling Sign Up Link: https://web.penjiapp.com/communities/9UNZuCnDwD/learn
Writing Center Sign Up Link: https://web.penjiapp.com/communities/tewbVMkjRQ/learn
Cardinal Central (Billing / Financial Aid): Saint Mary’s 32, cardinalcentral@smumn.edu
Residence Life: Griffin Hall 1st Floor, reslife@smumn.edu
Online, Teletherapy: https://app.uwill.com/login
Career Advising: https://smumn.joinhandshake.com/stu/appointments
Access Services: https://sanford.accessiblelearning.com/SMUMN/Start/
School of Graduate and Professional Programs Resources:
Academic Support: Student Success Center, studentsuccess@smumn.edu
Student Services (Billing / Financial Aid / Registration) : LaSalle Hall 158, studentcentral@smumn.edu
Career Advising: https://smumn.joinhandshake.com/stu/appointments
Writing Center: https://smumn.mywconline.com/index.php
Access Services: https://sanford.accessiblelearning.com/SMUMN/Start/
Online Statistics Tutoring: Contact Joe Justman, jjustman@smumn.edu
Inspired by Dr. Kevin P. Thomas, Ed.D. — Vice President for Enrollment Services and Student Success at the University of Central Arkansas
