Editorial

From the Editor:

College student retention continues to be a vexing issue for all levels of higher education. It is of paramount importance for traditional brick and mortar institutions, on-line only institutions, and for hybrid institutions as well. Although much money, time, and resources have been spent on programs and services to help students meet their academic and personal goals, college retention has not appreciably increased over the years. The decline in high school graduates in the years to come, will severely impact revenues of many institutions of higher learning. Now more than ever, every successful student counts.

With this in mind, an important segment of the population, Queer and Trans individuals ready to graduate from high school, those seeking advanced degrees, and those already in the workforce needing to upgrade their skills, have received scant attention regarding retention in higher education. As more students identify as Queer and Trans this issue becomes more problematic. How do we treat these students in ways that are similar to others who have received special recognition? It is my hope that this Special Issue, guest edited by Jason Garvey, will initiate a dialogue pertaining to this important student population. An understanding of this populations’ needs can not only enhance their educational prospects, but can also make an important contribution to our society. Every student and individual counts so that all can be accommodated regardless of identification.

Jason Garvey is to be commended for his foresight in proposing this Special Issue of the Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice on the topic of Queer and Trans college student retention. He has brought together a superlative team of scholars to address this significant issue. Thanks to John Braxton, Associate Editor of the Journal, for shepherding this project through its initial stages. It is my hope that this Special Issue, will help the educational community gain valuable insights into Queer and Trans college student retention and stimulate further research into this important subject to the benefit of all students.