Abstract

Early courses play a pivotal role in shaping students’ retention and likelihood of graduation. Drawing on institutional data spanning four academic years from a southeastern U.S. College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), six high-risk first- and second-year courses were identified as being most strongly associated with degree non-completion when students do not pass these courses. They include a range of chemistry, calculus, economics, and career exploratory courses. Although this study does not establish causation, we recommend that college officials implement early alert systems and adopt intrusive advising practices to support students who do not pass these courses, so they do not drop out.

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