NODA’s Virtual Retention Symposium is an educational opportunity for experienced professionals to pursue retention practice knowledge and competency development.  

The Retention Symposium is a combination of facilitated conversations and small group clusters. Each offering of the Retention Symposium is limited to 25 participants.

The 2023 institute has concluded.

  • To create a community of practice around retention strategies and initiatives
  • To develop a network of colleagues in retention work
  • To learn strategies to develop a retention plan while facilitating a collaborative campus environment
  • To learn effective practices from various institutions (student success stories)
  • To provide resources on making data driven decisions in order to be solutions focused
  • Showcase innovative programming and retention practices/strategies/approaches
  • Provide references and resources for retention and student success work
  • Key elements of campus strategy
  • Student success and retention pathways
  • Collaborative Relationships
  • Leveraging Data

Symposium participants will address intermediate and advanced NODA competencies in the areas of Theoretical Knowledge, Campus Collaborations, Content Development, Organization & Leadership, and Enrollment Management. Focus will be placed in the following areas:

Knowledge Development and Synthesis: Exhibit knowledge of research and literature; pursue knowledge creation and synthesis; demonstrate awareness of current trends; and find application in orientation, transition, and retention

Leadership, Advocacy, and Collaboration: Advocate for program development and representation in institutional planning; create, foster, and sustain collaboration/partnerships; and lead partners and stakeholders in the creation of programming

Data Collection, Assessment, and Action: Analyze data, interpret trends, and differentiate factors; assess institutional access, barriers, and pathways; and apply data and information to create and modify orientation, transition, and retention strategies and partnership

Symposium Leadership

Co-Lead

Rick Sparks
Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and University Registrar
Virginia Tech

Co-Lead

Beth Lingren Clark
Associate Vice Provost for Strategic Enrollment Initiatives
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities