Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the Educational Policy Institute and studentretention.org, our research-based center focused on issues related to the persistence of students in higher education, I cordially invite you to participate in RETENTION 2007, this May 22-24 at the Westin Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas. This is our second annual conference, and we expect a large turnout due to the importance of this issue across the nation.

Never before has education beyond the secondary level been such an important predictor of an American’s future earnings, level of contribution to society, and even quality of life. As achievement gaps narrow, more students are capable of pursuing a college education and it is incumbent upon us as educators, policy makers, and researchers to make sure that their dreams are realized. At EPI we believe that everyone deserves the chance to receive a quality education. However, with rising tuition costs, inequalities in our educational system, and socio-economic stratification, postsecondary education is not a viable option for everyone. Hosting RETENTION 2007 supports our mission to convene the nation’s top researchers, policy makers, and professionals at the institutional level to discuss emerging trends and policy issues in higher education that affect retention efforts. I personally believe that your presence at the conference would be an invaluable asset to this community dedicated to student achievement and persistence.

We are expecting approximately 300 people to attend this conference, including leaders from colleges and universities across the US, Canada, and beyond. I sincerely hope you and your colleagues can participate.

I look forward to seeing you in San Antonio this May!

Best regards,

Watson Scott Swail, Ed.D.
President