Pirates For Academic Success

Abstract

ECU reported in 2019 that the school had an overall retention rate of 83%. Although this percentage seems high, it is nothing compared to UNC Chapel Hill’s overall retention rate of 97.2% or Duke’s rate of 97.6%, (both reported from 2013-2017.) Because of this our group decided to research why ECU’s retention rate was so much lower than surrounding universities and provide resources and information to take a step forward in solving these problems. After spending our first year conducting interviews among students, it was clear that most students were not aware of the resources offered to them on campus. Some were not even aware of their style of learning and how to effectively study for upcoming exams or quizzes. From this we created Pirates for Academic Success. Our goal was to make videos explaining not only what resources were available on campus that you may not know about but also explain different studying techniques and how discovering your style of learning can lead to a more effective study pattern. Doing this allows students who don’t know ECU campus that well or who don’t know many other students a way to find resources in a less intimidating way. This can lead to higher grades, more confidence in coursework and classes, and a higher chance of students staying at ECU for a second year. “Confident students develop relationships with faculty that can lead to participation in research and other developmental activities...this leads further to possible future connections, letters of recommendation, internships, future work, or graduate school” (Croskey, 2021). Our group has set up a vimeo containing videos ranging from how to use different online homework platforms such as cengage to resources at the library students may not be aware of and how to effectively use them. Through this we have established a relationship with the library, marketing our videos and receiving special access to the library to make more videos using their equipment.