Division of Undergraduate Education

UCR's Hub of Innovation and Collaboration

Retention Action Committees banner

Background

Launched in Winter 2026 by the Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE), the Retention Action Committees (RACs) represent a campus-wide, action-oriented effort to transform retention data into student-centered support that strengthens student belonging, persistence, and graduation rates.

Operating within each of UCR’s colleges and schools, these interdivisional workgroups bring together Associate Deans, faculty, advising professionals, and student support staff to break down traditional institutional silos. By analyzing early student performance indicators—such as initial math and writing placements, and first-quarter GPAs—RACs deliver proactive, wraparound interventions. This model connects students to critical resources across the university, including academic advising, peer mentorship, tutoring, financial aid, health and wellness, and basic needs.

Mission

The mission of the RAC initiative is twofold: closing equity gaps in student persistence and driving UCR toward its strategic graduation goals.

  • Closing the Retention Gap: Our primary focus is identifying and supporting "at-promise" students entering UCR with lower initial math/writing placement, under 8 AP/IB units, and a first-fall GPA below 2.5. Currently, second-fall retention for at-promise students stands at 63%, compared to 92% for the broader student body. RACs deploy high-touch programming, targeted outreach, and faculty-advising partnerships to narrow this disparity
  • Advancing 2030 Strategic Goals: In alignment with UCR’s strategic framework, RACs serve as a primary engine to raise our 6-year graduation rate to 80% by 2030. Because retaining just 70 students translates to a 1% increase in campus retention, every RAC intervention directly advances this goal.

Vision

The RAC initiative operates as a campus-wide Community of Practice built on four strategic pillars:

  • Innovation: Designing creative, context-specific interventions that address both academic and holistic barriers to student success.
  • Implementation: Standardizing and scaling evidence-based practices across all colleges and schools.
  • Measuring Progress: Partnering with Institutional Research (IR) and Information Technology Solutions (ITS) to continuously evaluate student outcomes and refine interventions in real time.
  • Collaboration: Fostering a collaborative community committed to rapid iteration, shared learning, and cross-divisional problem-solving.