MASLOW'S HIERARCHY AND STUDENT RETENTION

Abstract

Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs offers a perspective on the motivation of college students and provides a rationale for retention programming in institutions of higher learning. The interventions of student affairs staff and faculty members which address the safety needs of students and engage students' sense of purpose tend to reinforce persistence. The result is improved rates of retention. The possible role faculty might play in a “mentor program” is discussed as a model of cooperative endeavor between the teaching faculty and the student affairs staff.