Earlier this week, LSU student columnist Alix Landriault suggested in an Op-Ed piece in The Daily Reveille that LSU and its students should prioritize and take the issue of graduation very seriously. I am pleased to report that LSU’s 6-year graduation rate has recently reached nearly 67%, a five-point jump over the previous year, which is LSU’s highest rate on record and well above the national public university average. In her column, Alix is astute in asking what LSU plans to do to retain and graduate even more students. Not only is LSU taking this issue seriously, but our state and federal governments have jumped in to push colleges toward better student success in many unprecedented ways.
LSU has implemented numerous efforts to improve student retention and graduation rates. The newest tool is a program called Beacon, which started this fall and applies predictive modeling techniques based on new students’ academic history and a survey of their strengths and behaviors. By predicting the rough spots, LSU can intervene and help the students avoid setbacks. LSU also has initiated the IMPACT program to help students improve their academic skills. There are other efforts already in place, such as the Comprehensive Academic Tracking System (CATS) that helps move students more efficiently to graduation. For those students that leave, LSU now has a Plan to Return effort to bring them back as quickly and easily as possible.
Your government also is now placing considerable emphasis on your success. LSU is operating under the La GRAD Act that ties state appropriations and tuition rates to better performance, specifically in student success metrics. President Obama just announced an effort to tie federal financial aid to student success, meaning that LSU students could be eligible for more financial grant aid if LSU can demonstrate that we are serving students successfully. Universities across America are under increasing pressure to help students complete their college education. This issue is not only one of federal significance, but has become the number one issue among the National Governors Association. 
However, know that the most important investor in student success is you and your family. Unlike previous generations, a college degree has never meant more to an individual when it comes to potential earnings and other benefits throughout a lifetime.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a university graduate’s median lifetime earnings averages approximately $54,000 annually, while a student who starts but never completes college earns approximately $37,000 annually, only $5,000 more than a high school graduate who never pursued college in the first place. Additionally, national data consistently indicates that college and university graduates are more likely to volunteer in their communities, enjoy better health, experience more leisure time and pursue additional lifelong learning educational opportunities.  Professionally, college graduates experience better career satisfaction, job security, and overall quality of life.   
Informing freshmen that it is never too early to start thinking about graduation and reminding all students throughout the year about the importance of completing your LSU degrees is one of the most important reasons why we are in higher education. You also have a responsibility to yourself, your families, and your fellow classmates to help them achieve this essential educational goal with lifelong benefits. Therefore, take advantage of LSU and all it has to offer. Seek help when you need it, after all, we are here for you.  Most importantly, however, graduate and help those around you graduate as well. Ultimately, we as a society all benefit from living in a
well-educated and well-engaged society. 
F. King Alexander
LSU President