Sam Houston State University and Profiles International Create a Customized Student Assessment Tool to Assist with Student Recruitment and Retention

Students at Sam Houston State University are utilizing a unique, customized student assessment tool, SHSU Academic Coach, to help them choose the most suitable degree program and gain exposure to careers that are best suited to their talents, strengths and interests. This customized assessment tool also identifies students' strengths and areas for improvement as they prepare for graduation and satisfying careers.

Huntsville, TX (PRWEB) July 3, 2009 -- Students at Sam Houston State University are utilizing a unique, customized student assessment (http://www.profileseducationalservices.com) tool, SHSU Academic Coach, to help them choose the most suitable degree program and gain exposure to careers that are best suited to their talents, strengths and interests. This customized assessment tool also identifies students' strengths and areas for improvement as they prepare for graduation and satisfying careers.

SHSU selected Profiles International's Educational Service Division's Academic Coach program to provide coaching and mentoring tools for students and advisors participating in SHSU Orientations, SAM Center Advising Sessions, and the Student Success Initiatives programs. According to Dr. Heather Crowson, Vice President of Enrollment Management, "As this group of students approaches graduation, we predict a shorter time to degree, lower debt and a student prepared for the highly skilled, competitive marketplace."

"Our one-year student retention rate for the Fall 2007-2008 cohort has increased significantly from Fall 2006-2007. As with any new student tool, we will continue to assess its impact on future retention rates. The SHSU Academic Coach Assessment enhances our retention efforts as it provides students with direction based on the answers they provide, and it is an intergral component of our retention plan," states Dr. Crowson.

Dr. Crowson added, "Students can use the results of the SHSU Academic Coach Assessment to help them choose majors and investigate careers in their chosen fields. As this tool is used in its full capacity with other retention efforts, our goal is to see graduation rates improve. We also believe that there will be a decrease in student debt upon graduation and an increase in student engagement in new occupations that match their thinking styles, behavioral traits and occupational interests."

The partnership between Profiles' Educational Services Division and Sam Houston State University helps the school produce a highly trained, work- ready, student population. It results in a win-win solution for parents, students, businesses, and alumni.

Profiles International, Inc. President Bud Haney states, "In today's highly-competitive, global marketplace, the value of moving through a college program with a focus on the ultimate outcome cannot be overstated. We are pleased to provide our services to the university and look forward to continued success in increasing retention rates."

About Profiles International, Inc.

Profiles International, Inc. helps organizations worldwide create high-performing workforces. Through our comprehensive employment assessments and innovative talent management solutions, our clients gain a competitive advantage by selecting the right people and managing them to their full potential. Profiles International serves 122 countries around the globe, and has material in 32 languages. Profiles International can be found on the Web at Profiles International (http://www.ProfilesInternational.com).

About Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University, located in Huntsville, Texas, is a multicultural institution whose mission is to provide excellence by continually improving quality education, scholarship, and service to its students and to appropriate regional, state, national, and international constituencies. SHSU can be found on the Web at Sam Houston State University (http://www.shsu.edu).

This press release was distributed through eMediawire by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: www.HRmarketer.com) on behalf of the company listed above.

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