2022-2023
Virginia University of Lynchburg values student success. To ensure that VUL is meeting its goals regarding student success, data is collected annually for the following: course completion rates, retention rates, graduation rates, state licensing examination results, employment rates, graduate school attendance rates, and job placement data.
Course completion, retention rates, and graduation rates. Successful program completion for each student is a goal of VUL. Progress toward achieving this goal is monitored by tracking course grades, retention rates, and graduation rates.
- VUL’s assessment of course completion is based on course-specific exams which determine the knowledge and skills required for each academic discipline. Completion rate is calculated by dividing courses completed by courses attempted. A course is considered completed if a student earned credit for the course.
- VUL also collects data on retention and graduation rates.
| Program ID | Last Year Students | Retained Students | Graduates | Last Year Credits | Retained Credits | Retention % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AA | 263 | 152 | 8 | 4900 | 1782 | 57.8% |
| B.A.O.M. Accelerated | 3 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 0.0% | |
| BA Bus. Admin | 54 | 36 | 21 | 1529 | 457 | 66.7% |
| BA Org. Man | 3 | 0 | 1 | 61 | 0.0% | |
| BA RS | 21 | 1 | 3 | 263 | 3 | 4.8% |
| BA Soc | 14 | 6 | 5 | 412 | 82 | 42.9% |
| BA Soc CJ | 8 | 2 | 2 | 174 | 25 | 25.0% |
| CERT in MIN | 1 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 0.0% | |
| D | 40 | 40 | 1 | 27 | 150 | 100.0% |
| DMIN | 10 | 0 | 10 | 47 | 0.0% | |
| M | 10 | 0 | 2 | 202 | 0.0% | |
| M OM | 13 | 0 | 4 | 248 | 0.0% | |
| Total | 440 | 237 | 57 | 7910 | 2499 | 53.9% |
Statistically, retention and graduation rates at Virginia University of Lynchburg have not been positive. That said, VUL is looking to improve in each area and at all levels in regards to retention and graduation rates.
First, there are a number of reasons why retention rates are low – over-recruitment, lack of majors offered, substandard facilities and equipment in some cases, and just not enough for the students to do.
In 2009 Virginia University was just beginning to grow as a university. It was as if the university was starting out on a new path. Most people had never heard of VUL. Locally, some knew “Virginia Seminary.” Many of the students in the AA and BA were local. Only one dorm was operational. The awarding of a $600,000 HUD grant for the redevelopment of the neighborhood surrounding the university helped to put VUL on the map locally.
In 2011 VUL was suddenly hit with a huge increase in student enrollment because of the new athletic programs, particularly the football team. Admittedly, the university took on more than it was prepared for, and in doing so, took on a new set of challenges. With more students, more diverse student needs, more activities, there was much to do in a short time. Systems, programs, housing, security, all had to be reevaluated and expanded. Naturally, not everyone was happy. Many students questioned their decision to attend VUL.
During the years since 2011, many of the problems with premature growth have been resolved. Many improvements are visible in the way of new dorms, building improvements, etc. Many are not visible, such as more efficient processes and more experienced staff. However, much of the recruitment and enrollment continue to revolve around sports. The difference, however, is that the new coaching staff is experienced in growing and turning programs around. VUL is transitioning to a new normal in terms of the caliber of the student being recruited, the standards for student conduct, and higher expectations from students.
Meanwhile, not all of the burden is on the students or coaches. The STEP Center (Student Testing and Educational Proficiency) is counseling students and setting up AIP’s (Academic Improvement Plans) for students who are admitted conditionally with GPA’s below 2.0 and for students who are on academic probation. A new peer tutoring program is in place to help students who need tutoring. Faculty members are reporting that the tutoring program is excellent.
Events and activities will be expanded through the Student Affairs Office. Instructors are being encouraged to get more involved with the students through faculty advising and sponsoring clubs and events. VUL’s menu and food service have been improved and students are reporting that they like the food better.
Surveys are conducted regularly to determine the growing and changing needs of the students, and efforts are being made to meet these needs. Specifically, VUL will:
- Continue and expand the STEP Center.
- Improve the Student Affairs Department, particularly student activities.
- Expand faculty participation and involvement with the students.
- Expand and improve course offerings, including majors.
- Seek ways to increase funds to improve facilities, compete with other local institutions in instructor remuneration, and increase technology.
Employment rates, graduate school attendance rates, and job placement data. Virginia University of Lynchburg also tracks employment rates and job placement data.
- At graduation, VUL administers a Senior Survey designed to track graduating seniors at graduation and then follow up several months later with an Alumni Survey. The Senior Survey tracks graduate school attendance and job placement, including employer, city, and salary. This allows VUL to determine the percentage of graduates immediately pursuing further education, securing full-time employment, and other options. VUL is currently assessing its process of surveying seniors in order to increase the number of respondents.
In 2019, the Senior Survey had 11 respondents:
Do you plan to attend graduate school during the next academic year?
| Frequency | Percent | Valid Percent | Cumulative | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | 4 | 36.4% | 40.0% | 40.0% | |
| Valid | Yes | 6 | 54.5% | 60.0% | 100.0% |
| Total | 10 | 90.9% | 100.0% | ||
| Missing | System | 1 | 9.1% | ||
| Total | 11 | 100% |
Number of schools you applied to
| Frequency | Percent | Valid Percent | Cumulative | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | 5 | 45.5% | 83.3% | 83.3% | |
| Valid | 5 or more | 1 | 9.1% | 16.7% | 100.0% |
| Total | 6 | 54.5% | 100.0% | ||
| Missing | System | 5 | 9.1% | ||
| Total | 11 | 100% |
Will you attend full time or part time?
| Frequency | Percent | Valid Percent | Cumulative | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valid | Full Time | 5 | 45.5% | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Missing | System | 6 | 54.5% | ||
| Total | 11 | 100% |
What is the highest degree you ultimately plan to earn?
| Frequency | Percent | Valid Percent | Cumulative | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | 1 | 9.1% | 12.5% | 12.5% | |
| Valid | Master’s | 1 | 9.1% | 12.5% | 25.0% |
| Doctorate | 6 | 54.5% | 75.0% | 100% | |
| Total | 8 | 72.7% | 100.0% | ||
| Missing | System | 3 | 27.3% | ||
| Total | 11 | 100% |
Will you work full time or part time?
| Frequency | Percent | Valid Percent | Cumulative | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valid | Full Time | 4 | 36.4% | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Missing | System | 7 | 63.6% | ||
| Total | 11 | 100% |
What is your expected annual salary?
| Frequency | Percent | Valid Percent | Cumulative | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,000-$20,000 | 1 | 9.1% | 33.3% | 33.3% | |
| Valid | Above $30,000 | 2 | 18.2% | 66.7% | 100% |
| Total | 3 | 27.3% | 100.0% | ||
| Missing | System | 8 | 72.7% | ||
| Total | 11 | 100% |
What will your status be after graduation?
| Frequency | Percent | Valid Percent | Cumulative | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I have been accepted to graduate school | 1 | 9.1% | 50.0% | 50.0% | |
| Valid | I hope to attend graduate school | 1 | 9.1% | 50.0% | 100% |
| Total | 18.2% | 100.0% | |||
| Missing | System | 9 | 81.8% | ||
| Total | 11 | 100% |
According to data submitted by VUL to IPEDS:
RETENTION RATES
- The percentage of the fall 2021 cohort of students pursuing a bachelor’s degree and returning in fall 2022 was 75 percent.
GRADUATION AND TRANSFER OUT RATES
- The percentage of full-time, first-time students in the fall 2016 cohort who graduated or transferred out within 150 percent of “normal time” to completion for their program was 87 percent.
- The percentage of full-time, first-time students who began in the fall 2014 cohort and graduated was 16 percent for 4 years, 26 percent for 6 years and 26 percent for 8 years.
- The percentage of full-time, first-time students who began in the fall 2016 cohort and graduated was 15 percent for 4 years and 27 percent for 6 years.
- The percentage of full-time, first-time students in the fall 2016 cohort who received a degree or award within 150 percent of “normal time” to completion for their program was 24 percent for males and 33 percent for females.
- The percentage of full-time, first-time African American students in the fall 2016 cohort who received a degree or award within 150 percent of “normal time” to completion for their program was 27 percent.
Action: VUL is looking to improve in each area and at all levels in regard to retention and graduation rates. In the past, low retention and graduation rates have been attributed to over-recruitment, lack of majors offered, substandard facilities and equipment, and not enough activities for the students.
Improvements in these areas have been made. New dorms and building improvements, as well as more efficient administrative processes and more experienced staff are expected to help with recruitment and graduation rates. Much of the recruitment and enrollment continues to revolve around sports, and COVID forced cancellation of sports at the end of the 2019-2020 Academic Year. Cancellation continued during the 2020-2021. During the 2021-2022 Academic Year some sports teams returned to campus, but students continued in an online academic program.
Students came back to campus for the 2022-2023 Academic Year, events and activities started up again, and instructors have been encouraged to get more involved with the students through faculty advising and sponsoring clubs and events.