Departure from College: The Role of the Social Network of Students

Theories explaining why students drop out of college have evolved to emphasize interactions between students

and their college environments. While the interactionist model underscores the influence of social integration on

student retention, few have examined the role of students’ social networks in the decision-making process. Drawing on a survey of 952 students at a public research-intensive university, this study examines student characteristics and behaviors, faculty-student interactions, and institutional characteristics in relation to whom students would turn if considering dropping out of college. Findings indicate that students would be more likely to turn to friends or family than campus faculty or staff. Frequency and perceived quality of interactions with campus personnel increase the likelihood that students would turn to them about this decision. Provided are suggestions for institutional practices that may improve college retention interventions.