Artists for life: a proposal to increase the retention of first-year undergraduate students in the Texas Tech University Department of Theatre and Dance
Abstract
Why do students abandon theatre or dance programs within or shortly after their first year of college? How does a department identify the factors that keep undergraduate students in the same major throughout their college careers? Once these factors are identified, how does a department implement improved strategies for retaining its students? How can a department, in conjunction with the university, best support undergraduate students to achieve a balance of success in academics, extracurricular activities, and personal matters?
I propose a program for the Texas Tech University Department of Theatre and Dance that will improve the retention of its first-year undergraduate majors through increased student knowledge of department policies and procedures; increased support from faculty, staff, and successful majors; and increased awareness and access of campus resources.