Student Achievement
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Student Achievement
Hayes-Allen Day - November 30, 2022
136th Anniversary Founders' Day Celebration
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
LastY ear Students
Retained Students
Graduates
Last Year Credits
Retained Credits
Retention %
AA
263
152
4900
1782
57.8%
B.A.O.M. Accelerated
27
0.0%
BA Bus Admin
54
36
21
1529
457
66.7%
BA Org. Man
61
0.0%
BA RS
21
263
4.8%
BA Soc
14
412
82
42.9%
BA Soc CJ
174
25
25.0%
CERT in MIN
20
0.0%
40
40
27
150
100.0%
DMIN
10
10
47
0.0%
10
202
0.0%
M OM
13
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 Percent
Valid
No
36.4
40.0
40.0
Yes
54.5
60.0
100.0
Total
10
90.9
100.0
Missing
System
9.1
Total
11
100.0
Number of schools you applied to
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative Percent
Valid
1-2
45.5
83.3
83.3
5 or more
9.1
16.7
100.0
Total
54.5
100.0
Missing
System
45.5
Total
11
100.0
Will you attend full time or part time?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative Percent
Valid
Full Time
45.5
100.0
100.0
Missing
System
54.5
Total
11
100.0
What is the highest degree you ultimately plan to earn?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative Percent
Valid
Bachelor's Degree
9.1
12.5
12.5
Master's Degree
9.1
12.5
25.0
Doctorate Degree
54.5
75.0
100.0
Total
72.7
100.0
Missing
System
27.3
Total
11
100.0
Will you work full time or part time?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative Percent
Valid
Full Time
36.4
100.0
100.0
Missing
System
63.6
Total
11
100.0
What is your expected annual salary?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative Percent
Valid
$15,000-$20,000
9.1
33.3
33.3
Above $30,000
18.2
66.7
100.0
Total
27.3
100.0
Missing
System
72.7
Total
11
100.0
What will your status be after graduation?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative Percent
Valid
I have been accepted to graduate school
9.1
50.0
50.0
I hope to attend graduate school
9.1
50.0
100.0
Total
18.2
100.0
Missing
System
81.8
Total
11
100.0
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