Retention, Progression, Completion (RPC) at UNLV
Welcome
RPC at UNLV refers to the retention, progression, and completion (or graduation) of our students – a critical, though not solitary, piece of the student success equation. While there are numerous initiatives and individuals on campus dedicated specifically to the promotion of RPC, it is important that everyone is aware of contributing factors, available resources, and most importantly, their role in supporting the continued success of our students.
About
The Office of the Assistant Vice Provost for Retention, Progression & Completion (RPC) is responsible for the institutional leadership, mission, and forward progress of the 12 academic advising centers in the campus spaces in which they serve as a professional community. The office also oversees the UNLV advising extension offices: UNLV @ Nellis housed at Nellis Air Force Base and the UNLV/CSN Transfer Office housed at three of the College of Southern Nevada campuses.
The Office of the Assistant Vice Provost for Retention, Progression & Completion manages the UNLV Academic Advising Council and the university academic advising commissions.
In addition to these central organizational structures, the office is responsible for the overall assessment of academic advising, professional development opportunities, and campus-wide communication across the 11 advising centers and related academic and student service divisions on campus.
The Basics
Retention – the rate at which students in the cohort are enrolled at UNLV (in any major) following their first-year, as of the official preliminary census date of their second fall term
Progression – students continued advancement towards the completion of their academic program measured by enrollment at UNLV (in any major) each fall term (also referred to as persistence)
Completion – the rate at which students in the cohort have earned an undergraduate degree from UNLV (in any major) within six-years following their cohort term
Cohort – first-time, full-time, degree-seeking students enrolled in the cohort term as of the official preliminary enrollment census date (mid-September). Includes students who were admitted in the fall term or in the preceding summer term (also referred to as FTFT Cohort)
First-time student – a student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except college credits earned before graduation from high school) attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level
Full-time student – a student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits
IPEDS – the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System is a system of interrelated surveys conducted annually by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
NSHE Performance Pool – 20% carve-out of state funding that must be earned back by meeting defined metrics. Unlike first-time, full-time cohort graduation rates, performance pool points are awarded based on ALL degree completions each year, including transfer and part-time students. The metrics are based on the total number of students graduating (undergraduate and graduate), plus additional measures for defined populations (underserved populations, STEM, allied health, business, and management)
For additional information regarding institutional definitions and data, please visit the Office of Institutional Analysis & Decision Support.
“We will recruit, retain, and graduate a diverse body of motivated students through the strength of our innovative learning experiences, access to mentoring and research opportunities, and our vibrant campus community.”
Student Achievement Pathway, UNLV Top Tier Initiative