Undergraduate Research as a Mechanism for Student Retention: The RAM Program at [Frankly] State College

• In Event: Examining Factors That Impact Student Outcomes

Abstract

Increasing four-year graduation rates is critical in addressing educational inequities in U.S. higher education. These metrics are especially important among students from historically minoritized communities, from low-income communities, and/or are first generation college students, who have been historically underserved by higher education. The purpose of this paper is to detail the best practices of the Research Aligned Mentorship (RAM) Program at [Frankly] State College and the impact of program participation on student retention, annual credits earned, and four-year graduation rates. Using student data, this paper reviews the superior performance of RAM treatment students versus RAM control students and draws lessons for implementing such programs at other institutions, particularly primarily undergraduate, public institutions serving commuter students.

Authors

• Lisa Cullington, Farmingdale State College

• Erwin Cabrera, Farmingdale State College