EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Since 2020, college retention rates have been rising nationally in the post-pandemic era, and Eastern Michigan University is committed to being a part of this upward trend. One effort is the EMU Registration Blitz, an event designed to help students with the class registration process and support their success.

“Retention rates are not just numbers,” said Calvin McFarland, associate vice president of  Student Success and Academic Support Services. “They are a testament to our commitment to helping every student achieve their goals, build connections, and prepare for a successful future.”

The Registration Blitz offers a convenient, centralized location for students to receive on-the-spot assistance from academic advisors, success coaches, and other campus resources. The event is designed to help students select courses, resolve registration holds, and address questions about their academic plans. By providing personalized, one-on-one support, the initiative ensures students stay on track to graduation, reduces barriers to registration, and reinforces EMU’s dedication to student success.

Launched in 2013, the Registration Blitz has become a cornerstone of EMU’s Retention Initiative, addressing common challenges students face with academic advising and registration deadlines. In November 2024, the blitz saw an increase of over 16% in attendees compared to the previous year, with 575 student attendees representing 60 different majors participating. 

Since 2019, EMU’s Retention Initiative has expanded into a comprehensive, campus-wide effort. Pop-up advising stations across campus and celebrations of student milestones have contributed to a 7% increase in retention rates, rising from 82.6% in 2023 to 88.9% in 2024. These gains reflect EMU’s dedication to fostering an environment where students thrive academically and personally.

Eastern holds a Registration Blitz every fall and winter semester, and students can look forward to the next event in late March. 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.