Enhancing Student Retention through Academic Support and Course Design: Satisfaction as Mediator

Abstract

This study highlights the critical role of student retention in higher education, focusing on academic support services, course design, and student satisfaction as a mediator. The study aims to explore these elements' interactions to enhance retention rates, offering actionable insights for educational institutions. Surveys were strategically distributed to capture diverse student experiences, yielding 476 responses from 588 surveys, with 433 suitable for analysis. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) for data analysis, the study employed Smartpls4 to test hypotheses. Findings demonstrated that academic support services and course design positively impact student satisfaction and retention. Hypothesis testing indicated vital pathways between academic support and retention, course design and satisfaction, and satisfaction as a mediator. For future research, longitudinal studies should be conducted to assess the long-term impacts of enhanced academic support and course design on retention. Expanding the research to include diverse educational settings may provide nuanced insights across various student populations. Incorporating technological integration and qualitative methods can further enrich the findings. The study's implications are significant: By focusing on personalized academic support and engaging course design, institutions can boost student satisfaction and retention, enhancing reputation and loyalty. This research lays a foundation for institutions seeking to excel in a competitive educational landscape by addressing evolving student needs and promoting sustained academic success and growth.