Undergraduate student retention at Simon Fraser University: a 2005/2006 case study

Undergraduate student retention is an issue that affects everyone involved in post secondary institutions due to the instability it causes. Simon Fraser University (SFU) is statistically vulnerable to low retention, losing up to 25% of students after first year and 40% over 14 years. This research includes a document and literature analysis and a survey of leavers after the 2005/2006 academic year in order to determine common characteristics or other related data. This study will show that while demographically there are few overriding similarities between SFU undergraduate leavers there are similarities in factors that affect them including low service usage and the inability to register in most or all of their desired courses. In addition, the literature review will demonstrate that SFU struggles to outline their policies, philosophy or goals surrounding their vision for student retention. The paper concludes with four recommendations to assist in increasing student retention at SFU.