ENROLLMENT TRENDS

Summary

The average three-year data on degrees conferred and enrollment trends did not meet guidelines established by the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) program productivity.

Below is a breakdown of the 37 programs that underwent reviews based on the average number of degrees conferred over a three-year period:

Challenges

Challenges to reversing the downward trend in enrollment include, but are not limited to:

  • An excessive amount of negative press
  • Up-to-date recruitment brochures and materials
  • Attracting college-ready students
  • Reputation of the university for preparing job-ready individuals and stability
  • Effective support and retention plans
  • The appearance of instability based on leadership styles
  • Greater opportunities for enrollment in historically white institutions
  • Greater financial incentives from traditionally white universities
  • Alumni chapters are less involved than in prior years

Budget Implications

Budgetary consideration should be given to funds needed:

  • To publicize positive image of KSU (public relations)
  • To offer more financial support for students with great potential but few financial resources
  • For enhanced and targeted recruitment
  • For recruitment materials
  • To revitalize alumni groups

GRADUATION RATES

Summary

As in most universities, graduation rates are lower than enrollment because of the number of students who drop out or do not persist. The Institutional Research Factbook 2015–16 reveals graduation rates of less than 25 percent for three exiting cohorts (2007–13).

Challenges

  • Increasing term-to-term persistence rates
  • Reducing assistantships to two years
  • Budget implications

Cohort Graduation Rate History

“The graduation rate is calculated as the percentage of those students in the cohort (after adjusted/minus exclusion) who completed their program within 150 percent of normal time to completion (within 6 years).” (KSU Factbook-2015–16)

Budget Implications

Funds devoted to recruitment, retention, persistence, facilities, qualified and sufficient faculty, advertising and public relations would impact graduation rates.

FACULTY QUALIFICATIONS

Summary

An overwhelming majority of the full-time faculty have earned terminal degrees or have exceptional experience in the areas they are assigned to teach. They participate in professional growth opportunities and seek ways to bring finances and recognition to the university. A review of the faculty qualification chart and faculty evaluations will reveal how full-time faculty members demonstrate best practices in teaching, service and scholarship. Many full-time faculty members write and administer grants, collaborate within the community and take leadership roles in professional development in local schools and agencies.

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