PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Retention rates at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh have been a bit of a rollercoaster, dropping as low as 68% during the pandemic.
But according to a letter sent to students last month, those numbers have bounced back.
From fall 2023 to spring 2024, first-year student retention was 86.1%.
For fall 2024 to spring 2025, it rose to 89.3%, giving the university an overall retention rate of 93% for undergraduate students.
“That occurred from an excessive amount of outreach to students, to let them know that we want them back for spring, and here’s how to come back for spring. Continual reminders,” explained Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Marketing, Amber Evans.
Evans said they’ve been working hard to keep communication with students.
“We implemented what we’re calling on this campus a pilot student success team lead,” she said. “It’s basically just assigning additional faculty and staff across campus to be that support person for students.”
UWO Provost Ed Martini says the outreach has seen great results.
“A lot of it is just the students appreciate knowing that someone is reaching out and checking in on them,” he said. “And that includes for positive reasons. In our progress reports, the faculty file, they can give kudos. It’s not just, ‘Hey, we’re concerned.’ It’s, ‘Hey, you’re doing a great job.'”
Students like senior Jena Plutz are also appreciating the program.
“I think getting checked in on and giving feedback to professors, how they could do better, and how I would learn better, would definitely be helpful,” she said.
You can read the full letter sent by Chancellor Andrew Leavitt below:
Dear University community,
A simple message today: Welcome back to UW-Oshkosh for the spring 2025 semester. I hope this finds you recharged and ready to fully dive into your studies and service.
I’m proud to report that we are welcoming back 93 percent of our fall undergraduate student population. That’s a retention benchmark we collectively targeted, and we hit it. It’s all about students’ progress and success. Thanks to all the students and faculty and staff members who concentrated on a strong spring registration and ensuring as many Titans as possible return and are ready to thrive this semester.
Just a couple of thoughts to share on what is already shaping up to be a busy semester.
It’s Black History Month at UWO, and I want to thank African American Studies Program Director Alphonso Simpson for leading the development of another outstanding calendar of public events throughout February. This includes the annual UWO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration and Awards Program to Black History Month at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, in Reeve Memorial Union’s Theatre, Room 307. I hope you will join us. You can find more details on all Black History Month events HERE.
We have a couple of Town Halls coming up, and I encourage you to attend. The first is a faculty and staff Chancellor’s Town Hall set for 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12 in Reeve Theatre, 307. The second is a student town hall hosted by Oshkosh Student Government at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, also in Reeve 307. Both will provide time to offer some encouraging UWO updates and take questions. I know that we will livestream the employee session on Feb. 12; faculty and staff can expect links later this week.
Another exciting semester is in store. A new slate of music performances is kicking off. Our student-athletes continue campaigns toward championships. Undergraduate research will once again shine in the months ahead as students show off posters and discoveries thanks to the guidance and collaboration of faculty mentors. One of the great joys of being Chancellor is getting to see our UWO community members at their best. So, I hope you’ll join me at any number of events schedule into May.
This is all what college at UWO is about. It’s what we mean when we say the university helps students get One Step Ahead.
Have a successful semester!
Chancellor Andy Leavitt
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