For a variety of reasons, many students do not return to college following their freshman year. The national average is close to 40 percent. The major reasons are lack of academic success and the inability to connect socially with others having similar interests. Though our retention figures are superior to the national average and, in fact, among the best on campus, the Agricultural Sciences Department chose to involve its upperclassmen in assisting with retention efforts. This fall approximately 120 freshman entered our program.

     For the first time ever, volunteers from among our student body were called upon this fall to assist with retention efforts, a major goal of the department. The volunteers, called Ag Leaders, consist of students from the junior and senior classes that take a personal interest in the newest members of our student body. The purpose of the Ag Leaders is to serve as mentors, guides, and information sources for new students in agricultural sciences at Sam Houston State University. Their goal is to help new students learn about the various opportunities available at SHSU and to assist them in dealing with the many challenges faced by new college students. By encouraging the new students to become involved early in the various clubs and organizations in the department and across campus, the Ag Leaders are stressing social activities that have a positive effect on student retention.