Continuous Improvement: A Way of Integrating Student Enrollment, Advising, and Retention Systems in a Metropolitan University

Abstract

In good times, most universities worry little about the systematic processes they have developed for admitting, advising, and retaining students. When enrollments decline, there may be more than a demographic explanation. One metropolitan university has discovered the value of continuous quality improvement methods in upgrading its core studentrelated administrative processes. As a result, it is increasing efficiency and personalizing a traditionally bureaucratic system of student service. This description of change in progress at the University of Missouri-St. Louis can assist other universities with similar interests in improving the student experience. Concurrent goals are to increase retention and decrease time to degree attainment.