From Retention Initiatives to Retention Strategy: A Case Study of Learner Retention at Limerick Institute of Technology

This paper explores the retention initiatives developed between 2002 and 2008 at Limerick Institute of Technology and the process of change from a retention initiatives approach to a coherent retention strategy. Underpinning the evolution of these initiatives has been an evidence-based approach and multi-factor analysis leading to a programme of retention initiatives developed over a five year period to improve learner retention. The paper provides an overview of processes, initiatives, and programs, central to student retention efforts at Limerick Institute of Technology.

Following a cursory depiction of specific enrolment and retention data, and a brief introduction to the functions of the learning support programme, this paper will focus primarily on the more recent retention strategy introduced to address specific retention requirements and targets. This case study highlights how the initiatives-based approach has been replaced by a retention strategy. Though Limerick Institute of Technology faces a unique set of challenges into the future, its efforts to retain students through an ongoing, institute-wide strategic focus on collaborative student retention efforts will certainly improve the college’s capacity to mitigate student attrition and encourage student persistence. Finally, the paper concludes by reflecting on the importance of collaboration amongst academic and student support staff in retention efforts in the maturation process from retention initiative to strategy.