The Bounce Back Retention Program: One-Year Follow-UP Study

Abstract

This study provides results regarding the effectiveness of the Bounce Back Retention Program (BBRP), a semester-long voluntary course for students on academic probation (AP). This is the first phase of a longitudinal study of spring 2007 freshmen at San Diego State University (SDSU). Results were analyzed for three samples: 1) AP BBRP—Credit enrolled and earned course credit (n = 81); 2) AP—BBRP No Credit enrolled but failed to earn course credit (n = 44); and 3) AP—NonBBRP did not enroll in BBRP but were on AP (n = 835). BBRP efficacy was assessed by comparing semester and cumulative GPA's, academic outcome (probation removal, probation continued, disqualification), and university departure rates between the three samples immediately after and up to three semesters later. Findings reveal AP BBRP = Credit students earned: higher GPA's, improved academic outcomes, and fewer departures from the university. The value of a theoretically-based programmatic approach to retention is discussed.

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