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Yasmin Newberry Cline, center with her family, earned a
bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2001 and a law
degree at MU in 2004. She is an example of Mizzou's highly
skilled graduates. Steve Morse photo
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MU
Boasts State's Top Public University Graduation Rate
By Christine Feeley
Currently, the graduation rate at the University of Missouri-Columbia
is the highest among the state's public institutions. This success
is attributed to strong academic support services, specialized
orientation programs for first-year students and a positive learning
environment.
Over the past five years, MU's six-year graduation
rates have increased by 8 percent according to the most recent
graduation report from The
Education Trust, a non-profit organization that encourages
academic achievement at all levels. Currently, 67 percent of MU
students graduate within six years. This is the highest graduation
rate among Missouri's public schools, including Truman
State University (63.9 percent), the University
of Missouri-Rolla (60.3 percent) and Missouri State University (47.9 percent). In addition, the
African-American six-year graduation rate at MU has increased
dramatically in the last five years from 38 to 59.5 percent.
MU also ranks second among public research
institutions in the Association
of American Universities (AAU) and seventh among public and
private AAU members for growth in six-year graduation rates.
“Our graduation rates benefit from first-year
programs that emphasize a high level of student engagement and
interaction with our faculty,” said Mike Prewitt, MU vice
provost for undergraduate studies. “For example, Freshman
Interest Groups (FIGs) provide students with an immediate support
network and the opportunity to meet with faculty members in weekly
seminars. Research has shown that students who participate in
FIGS have higher retention and graduation rates than those who
do not.”
Students who use the MU
Student Success Center (SSC) also are more likely to graduate.
The SSC provides academic and career advising through the Learning
Center, Academic Retention Services, Academic Exploration and
Advising Services, and the Career Center. Two years ago, these
services came together to make programs more accessible to students.
These programs include writing consultations, general education
tutoring sessions, individual academic assistance for low-income
federal grant recipients, and job preparation programs.
Ann Korschgen, vice provost for enrollment
management, attributes growth to the concern of top university
administrators. For example, Prewitt works with department chairs
and faculty members to review and make changes to high-risk courses
that have high failure rates.
“MU welcomes new students during Summer
Welcome and Winter Welcome,” Korschgen said. “These
intensive orientation programs introduce students to the academic
and social opportunities available to them on our campus.”
Korschgen also said that enhancements to physical
aspects of the learning environment also attract more students
to campus. Recent projects include a Life
Sciences Center, Ellis
Library renovations and Cornell Hall, home to the MU
College of Business.
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Last Update:
July 2, 2008
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