Tennessee Tech University is seeing an increase in graduation rates thanks to the university’s STOP OUT program.
The Tennessee Tech STOP OUT Program reaches out to students who were close to finishing a degree but dropped out. Dean of the College of Emerging and Integrative Studies Mike Gotcher puts them back on a path toward graduation. Gotcher said some students don’t realize that a degree is closer than they think.
“Very often we identify students who are within 12 hours of finishing, but they don’t think they can finish,” Gotcher said. “And they think they probably, they think they might have to come to campus to complete their coursework.”
Gotcher said students often drop out because of external factors, like a job or family issues. Gotcher said finishing a degree can open job opportunities and fill the workforce gap in Tennessee.
“We know that to encourage other industries to come into the state of Tennessee, we need a skilled workforce and an educated workforce,” Gotcher said. “And this program helps us do that for Tennessee.”
Gotcher said advisors create a graduation plan with the student. Gotcher said he encourages everyone to come back to complete their degree, as nobody is too old to finish.
“The thought is you are never too old to finish that degree, and we are there to help you finish that degree,” Gotcher said. “Tennessee Tech is there to help you meet your goals.”
Gotcher said the college provides flexible options, allowing students to take many online and in-person classes. Gotcher said the program not only benefits the student by getting a degree, but it also benefits the university by adding another graduate to its graduation numbers.