Retention at Eastern Washington University

At Eastern Washington University, student retention is at the heart of our mission to empower students to achieve academic and personal success. Retention is more than just keeping students enrolled—it’s about fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaging environment where every student can succeed.

Our Commitment to Retention
EWU is dedicated to improving retention through intentional strategies that prioritize:

• Student-Centered Support: Ensuring students have access to the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to succeed academically and personally.
• Engagement and Connection: Building meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff to foster a sense of belonging.
• Equity and Inclusion: Addressing systemic barriers and ensuring equitable access to education and support services for all students.
• Timely Interventions: Identifying and assisting students who may be struggling academically, financially, or personally.

Why Retention Matters
Retention is a critical indicator of student success. By focusing on retention, EWU aims to:

• Enhance academic performance and foster persistence.
• Empower financial-stability by supporting timely degree completion.
• Elevate student success by increasing graduation rates and career readiness.
• Enrich the university community through vibrant engagement and connection.

Retention Strategies at EWU
Our retention efforts are grounded in best practices and innovative approaches:

• Proactive Advising: Advisors work closely with students to develop personalized academic plans and address potential challenges.
• Academic Support Services: Offering tutoring, writing assistance, and skill-building workshops to support student learning.
• Early Warning Systems: Monitoring academic progress and connecting students to resources when concerns arise.
• First-Year Programs: Providing a strong foundation for success through orientation, learning communities, and first-year experience courses.
• Mentorship and Peer Support: Creating opportunities for students to learn from and connect with peers, faculty, and alumni.

Closing the Gap
EWU is particularly focused on closing equity gaps to ensure all students—regardless of their background—have equal opportunities to succeed. This includes targeted initiatives for underrepresented populations, first-generation students, and those facing financial challenges.

Your Success, Our Priority
Retention is more than a statistic—it’s a reflection of the supportive and inclusive environment that defines EWU. We’re here to ensure that every student feels valued, supported, and prepared to achieve their goals.

Together, we can create an EWU experience that fosters growth, discovery, and success for every student. Let’s work collaboratively to help every student achieve their full potential!