ACTION PLAN - University of Ulster

ACTION PLAN
GOAL 1: Increase retention of all first-time Fall 2002 students from 58.7 percent to 59.7 percent.
KEY STRATEGY G: Improve faculty morale by clearly delineating faculty and staff roles and expectations
regarding retention and subsequent rewards from the top down. Centralize this message to faculty across all
colleges (Dr. Cofer, Dr. Richters, Dr. Pryor, Dr. Roane). This strategy is closely linked with Strategy B also
in Goal 1 and includes communication with the president and provost regarding the perceived importance of
devising and implementing an effective strategy to “get faculty and administration on board” with the goals of
the university’s retention efforts.
Description/Explanation: Deliberations in the Retention Committee revealed the sense that the optimal
course for a successful outcome to retention efforts would be one which could accomplish generalized
changes in attitudes among the faculty (and staff). It is granted that implementing such a change is a large
task. The problem at hand seemed to be a problem of low morale. The committee voiced agreement that one
of the biggest obstacles to be overcome was the belief by the faculty and staff that altered behaviors
promoting retention would not be recognized, appreciated and/or rewarded. For example, it was generally
agreed that there was no “check-box” on any annual evaluation form to indicate that any university employee
had engaged in retention-promoting activities. It was further agreed that retention-friendly behavior was not a
requirement for promotion or tenure. The committee agreed that it was unlikely that meaningful, sustainable
changes in faculty and staff behaviors would occur without clear mechanism for rewarding or recognizing
these behaviors, and correctly or not, creating, or initiating the creation of such a mechanism was the
responsibility of the upper administration of the university and to do so with the utmost spirit of cooperation
and collegiality.
IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE/TIMETABLE
Steps Responsibility Target Date /
Completion Date
Call the President to step up an appointment Roane February 28
Meet with the President or send him a letter, or both Roane April 7
Coordinator: Dr. Richters
Retention Committee Contact:: Dr. David Roane
Budget/Reallocation Plan: No dollars, but some time will be required.