Digital Feedback

Many lower-income students wrestle with doubts about belonging in college -- particularly first-generation college students. Yet while experts say doling out positive reinforcement could improve graduation rates, systematic methods of giving students a pat on the back remain rare. That may be changing. Colleges are getting more serious about broad strategies to improve student retention. Some have contracted with vendors to create technology-based early-warning systems that faculty members and advisers can use to identify and help at-risk students.