Using Campus Climate and Enrollment Data to Explore the Impact of Sexual Violence Experienced on Retention and Persistence

• In Event: Addressing Victimization on Campus: Research Findings from the University of Kentucky's Campus Climate Survey

Abstract

To improve retention and persistence rates, universities have identified vulnerable populations for targeted engagement and academic interventions. However, less is known about the effects of sexual violence experience on students’ successful progression towards college graduation. Retention, defined as re-enrollment after the freshmen year, is a particular concern as risk for sexual violence is heightened in the first weeks of college and for underclassmen especially. Moreover, it is unknown whether sexual violence experienced has a differential effect on retention and persistence rates within subpopulations. Campus climate survey (2015) data were merged with longitudinal enrollment data. Enrollment data are used to define rates of retention (re-enrollment after first academic year) and persistence (re-enrollment in subsequent academic years) as well as changes in credit hours attempted and earned. The relationship of student-reported forms of sexual violence experienced and retention/persistence outcomes were examined with linear and logistic regression models. These relationships were considered within subpopulations based on class, race and ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual attraction as well as campus engagement, social support, and help-seeking behaviors. Classification and regression trees were used to visualize the relationship of sexual violence experienced and retention and persistence while accounting for the complicated role of potential moderators.

Authors

• Heather Bush, University of Kentucky

• Ann L. Coker, University of Kentucky

• Candace Brancato, University of Kentucky

• Charles Carlson, University of Kentucky