Dr. Miriam Leary

Enhancing Retention and Student Success in Undergraduate Physiology Programs: Student retention in undergraduate physiology programs is a growing concern, particularly in Appalachia, where college attendance and graduation rates are historically low. This presentation synthesizes findings from multiple studies examining factors influencing first-time, full-time student retention, with a focus on at-risk populations, including first-generation college students and those with lower academic preparation. This research examines the impact of academic preparedness, cohort scheduling, classroom design, and targeted interventions—such as first-year seminars, flipped classrooms, and integrated support structures—on student retention and success. Findings suggest that while these strategies enhance social integration and perceptions of faculty engagement and academic experience, their impact on retention is more complex. This work highlights strategies for early identification of at-risk students and emphasize the need for evidence-based, student-centered approaches to improving retention in physiology-related programs.