The graduation rate of CHANCE students has declined by one-third in the last six years, and Program Director Leroy Mitchell said his office has started programs to improve the rate.

In 1977, the graduation rate for CHANCE students was 29 percent. This means 29 percent of the students who entered the program in 1977 graduated from NIU. The rate dropped to 20 percent in 1980 and has remained there. These statistics are from NIU’s Institutional Research Director Nick Noe.

The CHANCE program recruits minority students and provides support services during the first year of college, Mitchell said. Non-minority students who do not meet academic requirements also enter NIU through the CHANCE program. Mitchell attributes the decline in the graduation rate to many factors.

“Most of our students come from underprepared backgrounds educationally, economically and socially. The environment of the residence halls can hurt students because most come from a segregated situation where they rule,” Mitchell said.

The attitude CHANCE students bring to the university also affects their graduation rates, Mitchell said.

“We have a senior luncheon every year where the seniors speak. This year we videotaped it and showed the tape to freshmen. They see someone who has made it and think, ‘If they can do it, so can I.’ It’s been the most effective thing we’ve done.”

Mitchell said his office concentrates on helping students during the first year. “The first year is crucial. We have mandatory counseling sessions, but students don’t always share problems. After the first year counseling is voluntary.”

Mitchell said he wants to develop a one-on-one counseling program to help students after their first year. “We might be able to start the program next fall, but we won’t see results right away. The first group (of students) we can watch all the way through (school) should show good results.”

The CHANCE office plans to start a summer program during the two weeks before school starts for students who need extra help, Mitchell said. He said a tutoring service is available for CHANCE students, but many do not take advantage of it.