Reference no: EM133673458
Question: National Park College (NPC), situated in the heart of Hot Springs, Arkansas, stands as a beacon of accessible education for academic and vocational growth in its community. Established as a public institution, NPC is committed to serving a diverse student body, offering a comprehensive range of educational programs tailored to meet the needs of its learners. As of the latest data available, NPC boasts a total enrollment of 2,340 students, reflecting its significant impact on the local educational landscape (National Park College, n.d.). However, the latest data shows a decreasing trend in the student retention system, which requires immediate action. The present research describes the problem of falling retention rates - they are six percent lower than the performance of NPCs in the last decade. It focuses on the significant findings, revisits some proposals, and presents weighted considerations for the instance.
I. Problem in Professional Practice
A major practical issue that National Park College is currently dealing with is a noticeable drop in student retention rates. Internal data highlight this urgent issue, showing a sharp decline from a 65% retention rate in 2019 to a concerning 59% in 2023 (National Park College, n.d.). This six percent performance gap indicates a significant departure from the targeted retention percentage and the immediate need for intervention. There are numerous reasons for this decrease. The situation is more complicated due to changes in student demographics, increased competition from nearby universities, and altered academic support services. Not all programs are seeing the same reduction in retention rates; some, including liberal arts and STEM, are seeing particularly noticeable declines (National Park College, n.d.).