NDSU aiming to raise student retention rate

Fargo, North Dakota – President David Cook of NDSU wants to restructure a recently established program to provide first-generation college students with greater resources.

Cook stated that the university should focus on first- and second-year students in his yearly State of the University Address. He stated that the Bison Bridge initiative will be used to carry out that goal.

According to Cook, the program equips students with tools for success, such as expert advice and counseling.

Over the previous year, NDSU’s first- and second-year student retention percentage increased from 75% to 77%. Nearly 10% more than the national average, that is.

“I’ll also say sadly these are some of the students who are really suffering the most and so that’s why I love what we’re doing here and I’m kind of excited about getting it started but also excited about where we’re going to go with this thing.” said Cook.

With the program’s enhancements, NDSU intends to increase student retention even more.