Name of Report: Common Data Set 2002-2003
Organizational Affiliation: University of Rhode Island
Author: University of Rhode Island
Date: May 23, 2003
Contact Information: University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI 02881
401-874-1000
http://www.uri.edu
Pages: 31
Content Summary
As part of a collaborative effort by data collectors in higher education, the University of Rhode Island has compiled an institutional report in an effort to assist students' transition into higher education. Reported statistics include graduation rates, admission requirements, annual expenses, student demographics, financial aid, and degrees conferred. This report also contains a glossary of data terms.
Major Findings
Of the total degree and non-degree-seeking undergraduate students (as of October 2002) 8,219 students are White, 467 students are Black, 448 students are Hispanic, 349 students are Asian, 39 students are nonresident aliens, 48 students are American Indian, and 1,214 students did not report their race or ethnicity. Only 623 of the original 1,887 full-time first-time bachelor degree seeking students completed the program in four years or less; 361 of full-time first-time bachelor degree seeking students completed the program in five years or less; 106 completed the program in six years or less. The total amount of students graduating in six years or less was 1,090. The University of Rhode Island reports the full-time bachelor degree seeking student six-year graduation rate as 58 percent. The University reports its freshman retention rate as 80 percent.
Unaddressed Issues Or Concerns
This report does not report its institutional strategies nor programs to improve student, particularly minority student, retention rates as research has shown the academic community must implement effective programs to retain qualified students. (Lau 126) Lau's article cites institutional administrators and faculty as well as students as agents in student retention. Multicultural sensitivity, academic support, and cooperative learning are strategies the a university can use to aid students. (Lau 129) Simply reporting retention rates does not give a holistic picture of the University of Rhode Island, its student body, nor the University's ability to retain matriculated students.
Reference List
Lau, Linda K. "Institutional Factors Affecting Student Retention." Education . 124.1 (2003): 126-136.
How to Access Report
http://autocrat.uri.edu/505.html