Augusta University has an aspiration to enroll 16,000 students by 2030. To reach this mark, we not only have to hit our enrollment goals, but focus on student retention. Our research shows that students who earn 30 hours in Year 1 are more likely to persist to Year 2 and to reach graduation in a timely manner. Since the initial implementation of Momentum Year, AU has sought to increase student success by focusing on enrolling freshman students in 15+ credit hours during the first two semesters. Academic Advisors have encouraged students to register for more hours in their first year, which puts students on track for a timely graduation. This momentum goal aligns with the ASPIRE priority to increase the number of FTFT freshmen completing 30 credit hours by fall 2. AU’s Native Undergraduate Retention Study also affirmed, through correlation, that students who enrolled and completed more hours are more likely to be retained by the institution. During the Fall 2024 semester, 74.6% of FTFT Freshman attempted 15 or more hours, and 67% of them completed more than 15 credit hours. In Spring 2025, an analysis of graduation rate data, persistence and retention data, along with predictive modeling revealed that 13 completed hours may each semester coupled with a credit recovery strategy may yield the most positive student outcomes. This aligns with our Four-to-Finish principles of Mindset, Purpose, Pathways and Engagement.
AU remains committed to a full implementation of Momentum Year, including a focus on having freshman complete required English and Mathematics courses in the first year. This is reflected in the first ASPIRE goal, which is to increase the number of FTFT Freshman completing 30 credit hours by the beginning of Fall 2. In Spring 2025, AU has also completed a comprehensive review and update to undergraduate Program Maps. Academic Affairs has appointed a 6-Year Graduation Rate Task Force to recommend data-informed strategies for improving undergraduate student progression to graduation. This task force submitted a report in May 2025. A preliminary finding from the task force indicated a possibility of a need to increase the utilization of Focus Areas to facilitate undecided freshman a more structured approach to exploring majors during the first year. This will be explored in 2025-26 when combined with AU’s focus on completion of 24 to 30 credits within the first year with a strategic credit recovery strategy. This will increase first-year retention (Fall 1 to Fall 2) for the FTFT cohorts.
AU will continue to encourage FTFT students at the institution to enroll for 15 credits or more each semester. This puts them on track to graduate in four years. However, for students who wish to attend part-time, or who are unable to complete 15 credits, we will continue to focus on having FTFT freshman complete at least 13 credits each semester in their first year. This 13 credit hours minimum target is supported by our predictive model for six-year graduation. It indicates that FTFT students who complete less than 13 credit hours in the first semester are at a significantly increased risk of not graduating in six years, compared to students at 13 credits or above.
As a part of the Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) Plan, the institution has established the goal of increasing retention each year by 2%. AU has consistently increased the FTFT undergraduate Fall 1 to Fall 2 retention rate over the last few years: Fall 2022: 73.4% (an increase from the prior year of 72.9%) and Fall 2023: 75.6%.
AU will utilize several measures in assessing the momentum goal. Some of these include, but are not limited to:
- AU has appointed a 6-Year Graduation Rate Task Force to recommend data-informed strategies for improving undergraduate student progression to graduation.
- We have convened a Waitlist Task Force to monitor, and resolve wait lists.
- Academic Advising ensures priority registration for students who need specific classes to support on-time graduation.
- Goal 2: Ensure students complete between 24 to 30 credit hours by the end of their first year.
- Spring 2025 and Summer 2025: Ensure the availability of essential courses to maximize schedule building (faculty and advising staff)
- Fall 2025: Monitor and track student performance and registration; leverage progress reporting to decrease W’s in courses; engage students in credit recovery strategies
- Spring 2026: review and assess student earned versus attempted hours
- Key Tactics:
- Establish a 6-Year Graduation Rate Task Force to recommend data-informed strategies for improving undergraduate student progression to graduation.
- Academic Advising ensures priority registration for students who need specific classes to support on-time graduation.
- Designing a credit recovery strategy specifically for students who do not complete 26 to 30 credit hours within their first year
- Continuing to build and increase student progression rates by doing the following:
- Increasing student persistence rates.
- Increasing student retention rates.
- Increasing the availability of class sections and seats in core curriculum courses through consistent monitoring with appropriate calls to action.
- convening a Waitlist Task Force to monitor and resolve wait lists.
- Improving undergraduate student success in gateway courses.
This evaluation plan outlines Augusta University's approach to ensuring First-Time, Full-Time (FTFT) undergraduate cohorts complete between 26 and 30 credit hours by the end of their first year. The plan defines clear performance indicators, establishes assessment intervals, and integrates targeted tactics to support student progression and timely degree attainment.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Measures
- Credit Hour Completion Rate: Percentage of FTFT students completing 26–30 credit hours by the end of their first academic year.
- Persistence Rate: Percentage of FTFT students who enroll in both fall and spring semesters and successfully progress to sophomore standing.
- Retention Rate: Proportion of FTFT students returning for their second year.
- Course Availability Index: Measure of the percentage of required core courses with sufficient seats and sections available for FTFT students each term.
- Credit Recovery Participation: Number and percentage of students participating in credit recovery initiatives who subsequently reach the 26–30 credit hour benchmark.
Assessment Frequency
- Data Collection: At the end of each academic term (fall, spring, and summer, if applicable).
- Review and Analysis: Conducted at the close of each academic year and at mid-year checkpoints for real-time adjustments.
- Reporting: Annual report to university leadership and relevant stakeholders; interim updates provided to task forces and academic advising teams.
Baseline Measure
Based on the most recent FTFT cohort data, 62% of students completed between 26 and 30 credit hours by the end of their first year. This baseline reflects both the strengths and gaps in current student progression strategies.
Goal/Target for Success
The project aims to increase the percentage of FTFT students completing 26–30 credit hours in their first year to 75% by the end of the next three academic years.
Current Status
Initial implementation of enhanced advising and credit recovery strategies has resulted in a modest improvement from the previous year’s completion rate. Task forces are actively engaged in identifying bottlenecks and recommending immediate interventions, while course availability and waitlist monitoring continue to be refined.
Launched on November 1, 2025, the Student Success Sprint is a university-wide initiative aimed at accelerating progress toward key student success benchmarks, including first-to-second-year retention, first-to-third-year retention, six-year graduation rates, overall enrollment goals, and increased credit hour completion. The new Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs has appointed a dedicated team, the Undergraduate Student Success Sprint Team, to address these goals as well as several other initiatives. This team is actively reviewing current efforts related to credit hour attainment, identifying barriers that hinder students from completing required credits on time, and implementing high-impact strategies such as enhanced academic advising, targeted intervention for at-risk students, and expanded course availability to ensure timely progression toward degree completion.
Supporting Tactics
- Course Availability: Regular monitoring and expansion of class sections and seats in core courses; rapid response to waitlist trends via a dedicated Waitlist Task Force.
- Academic Advising: Priority registration for students at risk of falling behind; proactive outreach to ensure students enroll in necessary courses for on-time progression.
- Credit Recovery: Implementation of targeted interventions for students failing to reach the 26–30 credit hour threshold, including summer bridge programs and supplemental instruction opportunities.
Task Forces: The 6-Year Graduation Rate Task Force and Waitlist Task Force convene regularly to review data, recommend strategies, and oversee progress monitoring.
As a joint initiative between ESA and Academic Affairs, the credit recovery strategy will be focused on improving first-year student retention and timely graduation. AU encourages FTFT cohorts to complete an optimal target of 15 or more credits each semester, to achieve 30 credit hours by the start of their second year. The credit recovery strategy will support students who do not meet this optimal target and includes comprehensive program map updates, enhanced utilization of Focus Areas, and ongoing assessment by a 6-Year Graduation Rate Task Force.
The institution aims to increase retention rates by 2% annually and supports students through priority registration and academic advising interventions. This approach aligns with Augusta University’s commitment to Momentum Year principles and the ASPIRE priority for student success.
ESA and Academic Affairs are jointly implementing a credit recovery strategy to boost first-year retention and on-time graduation. AU urges FTFT students to complete at least 15 credits per semester, totaling 30 credits by year two. The strategy aids students who fall short through updated program maps, better Focus Area usage, and ongoing review by the 6-Year Graduation Rate Task Force.
This can be addressed by addressing challenges faced by students in completing required courses such as high DFW rates in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and math. Although in it’s infancy, some early conversations around credit recovery have included interventions such as adaptive learning courses, review and implementation of credit forgiveness policies, and limiting the number of course withdrawals permitted by students while they matriculate. These conversations and actions began in Fall 2025 for full implementation planned for Fall 2026.
Augusta University will continually monitor and assess all strategies, including those aimed at helping students complete credit hours, making changes based on data to better meet student needs. The university’s plan focuses on early preparation, thorough evaluation, and flexible improvement, with targeted efforts to help students earn credits steadily and finish their degrees faster. By launching strategic programs, building strong support systems, and maintaining a campus-wide commitment to student success, Augusta University aims to improve retention rates and ensure students complete their credit hours.
At present, AU does not foresee significant barriers, beyond that which is typical--employee turnover, effective engagement of students, ensuring infrastructure scalability, and allocating resources for expansion. Despite these potential hurdles, AU is confident in its ability to address them and achieve its objectives.
