In an era of intensifying calls and increasing stakes for colleges and universities to increase graduation rates overall and shrink the black/white graduation gap, The Education Trust has issued a powerful statement affirming the success of Rutgers University – Newark at doing precisely that.
In a newly issued case study titled, Leading the Way in Diversity in Degrees, the national nonprofit that promotes high academic achievement for all students at all levels “follows the story of how Rutgers University – Newark set forth an ambitious agenda to improve student graduation rates while giving traditionally underserved students a real shot of obtaining a degree.” The report credits focused leadership, shared governance, and solid support systems as key reasons that the University “was able to not only boost overall graduation rates but to also tremendously improve graduation rates for African American students.” And the Trust gave a resounding affirmation for what is being done here at Rutgers University‒Newark: “As the nation focuses on ways to improve success for students, Rutgers University ‒ Newark provides an important example of how it’s being done.”
The Education Trust, through its Access to Success initiative, has worked with colleges and universities across the country to improve not only college-going rates, but to increase graduation rates among low-income and minority students. After looking at data from institutions across the country, The Education Trust selected Rutgers University‒Newark for its case study, noting “...it is clear that Rutgers Newark has achieved impressive results for all groups of students.” Representatives of the Trust came to Newark to interview students, faculty, and campus leadership as part of the case study.
For the complete report, please read Leading the Way in Diversity in Degrees.
