Ask the students why they are leaving. According to Student Success, a publication by the Educational Policy Institute, asking students why they are leaving provides valuable information for the program affected. They suggest performing exit interviews with each parting student asking specifically why the students are leaving your school. Do not assume typical issues such as finances or overwork to always be main reasons behind student departures. Student Success suggests knowing the motivations behind your departures is the first step to long-term retention.
Create community and learning groups for the students to join. Forming bonds and a sense of community is critical for the retention of both on-campus and commuter students. A study conducted by Sacramento State University found that students in learning communities (where they live and take the classes together) were more likely to be academically successful. One reason for this success was due to the social aspect of communities. Give students a sense of belonging that drives them to return to class. Also, place them in study groups within specific courses and plan outside activities that also foster community, such as a trip to a local art show.
Create ways students can hone their skills. An art student can develop insecurities when he compares his work to another. Remind your students that art is subjective but also give them opportunities to improve skill sets that could use work. For example, offer extra-credit sessions in shading, figure drawing or whatever area you see your students struggling.
Have a virtual art show. Student art shows are fairly common on campus but have them more often by using online resources. Make a social networking site for different courses where students can showcase their work. Encourage your students to link to the site from their social network site so their friends can see what they have created. All of this buzz gets your students excited about their art and are therefore more likely to pursue their art education.
Expose students to working artists. The University of Michigan, recognizing a decline in emphasis on art programming in general, suggests having students observe artists and see how their work fits into today's society. Bringing this real-world touch to your college art program helps students see how their education will land them a job upon graduation.
Give your students more autonomy. Art students are typically free thinkers and they want various ways to express themselves and don't always like to be tied down with schedules. Within the structure of each class, encourage the instructors to think outside the box. Have them consider grouping assignments into sections and give the students the choice of completing them in the order they want. Offer optional times to work from home instead of coming to class and studio time that fits a late-night schedule of a typical college student.