Over the years, several strategies have been employed to secure information on first-year students who choose not to attend WSU for a second year.  This initiative used a variety of techniques to encourage students to participate in an exit interview, including email promotions, personal referrals and Institutional Research Office tracking of of non-registrations.  "Best practices" of other institutions conducting exit interviews were also examined.

A total of 211 students, representing 12% of new entering freshmen, completed exit interviews or surveys.  (This represents approximately half of all non-returning students.)  The most5 often cited reasons for leaving were "transferring to a 4-year institution" and "wanting to be closer to home."  Students were not dissatisfied with WSU.  Interestingly, 94% said there was nothing WSU could have done differently to change their decision to leave.

THe final project report recommended the practice of conducting exit interviews be institutionalized in an office in student life. 

Click here for a more detailed report.

   L-21 Project Information   

Administrative Service Faculty
Special Initiative Award
Amount: $5,000
Target audience: 211 departing students