Student Achievement Goals, Measures, and Performance Data
EMU evaluates success with respect to student achievement using the following measures
and indicators:
Retention rates
Student population: traditional undergraduates
Target: at or above peer institution median
This metric is the percentage of first-time, full-time undergraduate students that
continue their studies at EMU in the fall semester of their second year. Our formal
institutional goal is to meet or exceed the median retention rate of our identified set of 19 peer institutions. Additionally, we monitor the retention rates of key groups of students based on
demographic characteristics in order to target support and initiatives that enhance
student success.
Graduation rates
Student population: all degree programs
Targets: at or above peer institution median for traditional undergraduates; 80% overall completion
rate for degree completion (accelerated) programs and graduate programs.
The graduation rate metrics are calculated differently, depending on the program:
- For our traditional undergraduate program, we monitor the six-year graduation rate
of our incoming first-time, full-time undergraduate cohorts. This metric is the same
as the IPEDS graduation rate (150% standard time) for EMU. This metric is the student completion indicator that we have selected for consideration
by our institutional accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Commission on College (SACSCOC). Our formal institutional goal is to meet or exceed the media retention rate of our
identified set of 19 peer institutions. Additionally, we monitor the graduation rates
of key groups of students based on demographic characteristics in order to target
support and initiatives that enhance degree completion.
- For our undergraduate degree completion (accelerated) programs and graduate programs,
we monitor graduation rates across time horizons longer than 150% of “standard time.”
EMU prioritizes overall degree completion as our preferred metric, and works within
a framework that is less concerned with “timely” completion. This approach acknowledges
that many students pursue their studies part-time and are balancing a wide variety
of personal considerations as they work toward completion. As such, our graduation
rates for these programs are evaluated across a 6-year or 9-year horizon depending
on whether program students are predominantly part-time. Limitations of external data
available for benchmarking preclude establishing peer-based goals. As such, our goal
is to maintain an overall, aggregate graduate and accelerated program graduation rate
of 80% or higher. This target represents a balanced understanding of both the focused
intention common among graduate students (which might result in higher completion
rates) and the realities that adult students in our programs face in balancing the
competing priorities life often presents (many of our graduate students are working
while studying part-time).
- Detailed outcomes for Eastern Mennonite Seminary are posted on the Seminary Outcomes page.
Job placement rates
Student Population: traditional undergraduates
Target: at or above national employment rates for bachelor’s degree holders aged 20-24 years
The job placement rate is captured each year for the graduates of the traditional
undergraduate programs via survey and targeted outreach. Our goal for job-placement
for job-seeking undergraduates (those not seeking further education, opting for service
or volunteer options, etc.) is to remain at or above national employment rates for
persons aged 20-24 and holding a bachelor’s degree.
Licensure and professional exam outcomes
Student Population: undergraduate programs that lead to licensure
Targets: established targets are program-specific:
- Nursing: NCLEX nursing licensure exam pass rate (traditional undergraduate nursing
students) greater than 80%, which is required by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
(CCNE) and the Virginia Board of Nursing (see additional program outcome data)
- Teacher Education: 100% of teacher education program completers pass PRAXIS licensure
exam (see additional CAEP program reporting measures)
Results
