Post Classifieds
MAP-Works program improves freshman retention rates
By Britney Nowak
On November 7, 2012
Buffalo State is utilizing a new tool in an ongoing initiative to improve student retention
numbers and help students cope with issues that may arise during the school year.
MAP-Works is an award-winning program that is offered to incoming freshmen.
Students participate by clicking on a link included in an email they receive on their
Buffalo State email account. There are also apps for the iPhone and Android phones.
After clicking on the link, students are taken to a survey that takes about 15 minutes to
complete and asks questions about the transition into Buffalo State.
According to a press release on the program, those who take the survey receive a free
Tim Horton's coupon and are eligible for a chance to win an iPad. The survey is optional
for some freshmen but mandatory for students enrolled in the EOP and COMPASS
programs.
MAP-Works was designed with a consideration toward retention rates. According
to numbers released by the school, students who have participated in MAP-Works in
the past were retained at an 11 percent higher rate than those who did not.
Eileen Merberg, a retention and leadership specialist with the Campus Life Office, said
that the higher retention rate is due to several factors. Students who take the survey
are asked about issues such as how often they speak to their professors and to what
degree they participate in class.
"The survey draws attention to essential academic behaviors and reminds students
about the importance of certain habits that lead to success," she said.
Another factor, Merberg said, is the interventions that take place.
"Only faculty and staff who are directly connected to students have access to the
results, meaning academic advisors, residence hall directors, and other support
program mentors and advisors such as EOP and COMPASS," she said.
Some of the issues addressed in the MAP-Works survey are homesickness, peer
connection concerns, and financial aid concerns. Staff members who have access to
the results of the survey can assist students in any way that they can.
"It allows us to be proactive in helping with these issues." said Mark Petrie, vice
president for enrollment management.
"It allows advisors and faculty to respond to students' needs," Scott Johnson, the dean
of University College, said.
Also, the Financial Aid office can assist in helping students fund another semester at
Buffalo State.
"The Financial Aid office can check this list of students and make sure they have filed
a FAFSA form, and staff will be checking to see what options there might be for the
student," Merberg said.
Homesickness and peer connection issues are other things that can be taken care of
thanks to MAP-Works. Merberg said that Resident Assistants can convince students to
join a club or other social event. MAP-Works can also identify students who are having
roommate difficulties.
"The results of this can lead to healthy dialogue, better communication, and a more
positive living environment," she said.
Petrie is hopeful that eventually all freshmen will take the survey. He also hopes that
once participation increases it may be possible to make it available to upper-classmen.
Meanwhile there is much encouragement from faculty and staff for freshmen to
participate.
"I would encourage every student to get into the system." says Johnson.
Britney Nowak can be reached by email at nowak.record@live.com.
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