Stay in school, don't be part of the 55%

The beginning of a new academic year is always an exciting time: friends reunite after summer-long internships, sporting events start again and the crushing Ohio humidity begins to melt away. However, for freshmen, this is a completely new experience.  It is time for college. It is time for parties, no curfews and no parents.  It is easy to forget the true purpose.

Research done by the Education Trust in Washington, D.C. shows that in the United States, an average of 65% of students return to college after their freshman year and 63% graduate.  According to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), 71 % of Wright State freshmen return after a year, but only 45% of students graduate.  At Wright State, it is feasible to consider that 29% of freshmen will not return next fall.  However, the statistic that 55% of current freshmen will not graduate is alarming.

Although it is easy to think that most students who leave school are just wild party animals, this is generally not the case.  While many new college students fall behind due to their over-indulgence in their recently obtained freedom, a large problem that is now facing students is the poor economy.  Most students, here and elsewhere, have a job in addition to their studies.  As one can imagine, this causes a conflict of interests, because students are being forced to pick between going to class and supporting themselves monetarily.  Oftentimes, the need to survive overrules the desire for an education.

While some students find it difficult to stay in school due to finances, others find that they are lost in the crowd.  “A large percentage of students who leave college do so because they didn’t feel like they were someone the university cared about,” said Catherine Queener, Director of First Year Programs.

Most freshmen participate in the University College (UVC) 1010 class, which provides mentorship and support through the college transition.  “It’s very hard to be a freshman in a class that’s more than a hundred students,” said Rehab Talat, a Humanities graduate student who teaches UVC 1010 and is a Senior Peer Mentor.

The majority of freshmen participate in the First Year Experience program, but those who don’t are encouraged to find a mentor within the university as a resource. Those who feel that they may be falling behind financially should apply for financial aid in January and should look into job opportunities on campus, where schedules will be more flexible than with a non-campus-affiliated employer.  Taking a few online classes is also an option for staying up to date with academics while still maintaining a job.

If you think you may be falling behind, speak to those at First Year Experience and your advisor. Those interested in speaking to someone at First Year Experience may do so by calling 937-775-5750, visiting their office in University Hall, or contacting a Senior Peer Mentor via uvcseniorpm@gmail.com.