Recruitment, Retention, and Degree Completion
Coordinated efforts between campus divisions are essential in advancing our university’s commitment to equity and diversity in student recruitment, enrollment, retention, and degree attainment. As Illinois State expands its efforts and implements new approaches to eliminate opportunity gaps among diverse and underrepresented students, the following outcomes for the 2020-2021 academic year are highlighted here.
Recruitment and enrollment of underrepresented students
Advancing Diversity in Teacher Education Admissions
Teach Chicago Tomorrow Pathways Partnership—In an effort to increase the diversity of teachers in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), Illinois State is partnering with Chicago Public Schools and the City Colleges of Chicago to create a cross-institutional system and structure to guide CPS students and graduates in enrolling in and completing college, earning their teaching credentials, and starting their CPS teaching career.
Community-Based Organizations and Outreach
Led by the Office of Admissions with support from University College, the Dean of Students Office, University Housing, and Financial Aid, the University emphasized collaborative recruitment efforts with campus partners who specialize in preparing first-generation and low-income students for college.
Streamlining applications for undocumented students
With the help of the Committee Assisting Undocumented Student Achievement (CAUSA), Admissions integrated steps to streamline the application process for undocumented students.
Open Houses and attendance prep
Along with campus tours, YOU Can Do ISU, and the Redbird Ready program designed for traditionally underrepresented students, and the open house session, Your Redbird Community, focuses on opportunities to get involved in diversity- and civic-related opportunities.
Retention of underrepresented students
POSITIVE INCREASES
First Time in College Students
Highest point in nine years, from
78.6%
2018 COHORT
T0
84.2%
2019 COHORT
Hispanic Students
Retention of Hispanic students increased from
67.7%
2018 COHORT
T0
79.9%
2019 COHORT
Black/African American Students
Retention of Black/African American students increased from
66.8%
2018 COHORT
T0
80.2%
2019 COHORT
Male Students of Color
Black male retention increased from
63.46%
2018 COHORT
T0
78.61%
2019 COHORT
Hispanic male retention increased from
63.26%
2018 COHORT
T0
74.65%
2019 COHORT
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Annual Report for Illinois State University