Faculty and Staff Perceptions of Factors Affecting Student Retention in Online Undergraduate and Graduate Programs

The study was conducted using a mixed method descriptive design methodology. The purpose of the study was to identify and further understand faculty and staff perceptions affecting practices and personal behaviors and how the perceptions might influence student retention. To accomplish this goal, the researcher identified 172 online colleges and universities that were among the top-rated online schools based on lists from EarnMyDegree and Online Education Database. The conclusions formulated from the data gathered in the study also provided ideas for future professional development programs for faculty and staff. The results of the study indicated that faculty and staff acknowledge that leaders of colleges and universities are attempting to contend with student retention. This observation is based on the majority of participants selecting both early warning systems for at-risk students and counseling as specific programs and procedures offered within the college or university. The majority of respondents did not correlate their role to student retention, and only 42% of the respondents indicated that they influence retention through the students' experience and support.