Should I Stay or Should I Go: The Needs Supply Balance and Student Retention

• In Event: Considering Diversity, Retention and Employment prospects in Criminal Justice Education

Abstract

Using student surveys for multiple university sites, we consider the factors leading to retention decisions for individual students. Based on Toch's needs supply scale the surveys consider factors in the university environment, gauging the importance respondents place on these factors. Demographic and individual characteristics, including gender, race, ethnicity, year in school, college major, inclusion in sports and activities, off or on campus housing, employment, household income, and other variables. Factors included in the surveys include scales measuring student concerns over safety, social atmosphere, support systems, autonomy, privacy, certainty and assistance as provided by their university experience.

Authors

• Kristine Levan, University of Idaho

• David A. Mackey, Plymouth State University