Stop-Out or Drop-Out? An Examination of College Withdrawals and Re-Enrollments

Abstract

The withdrawal policies of many universities are based on the supposition that being able to withdraw without grade point repercussions will encourage students to return to the institution at a later date. This study focused on withdrawing students and examined the differences between those who re-enroll after a withdrawal and those who do not. About one-third of withdrawing students did re-enroll. Although intentions to return were related to re-enrollment behaviors, respondents were not always accurate in their predictions. Numerous differences were also found between those who did re-enroll and those who did not, including educational goals, work commitments, adjustment issues, health-related problems, and participation levels. The results suggest that the distinction between drop-outs and stop-outs may further our understanding of student retention issues.