Recommendations include:
1. Individual programs should plan data gathering efforts that regularly capture information about student progressions through courses and programs.
2. Educators and administrators need to be aware of barriers to entry as leaks in the retention pipeline are identified.
3. Where possible, institutions should hire data specialists with the expertise and time to provide complete data sets and assist faculty with analysis.
4. Institutions should provide programs, services, and pathways that enable students entering the institution with varying computational backgrounds to succeed in their intended major (especially with regard to computing and mathematics).
5. Educators need resources to help them incorporate real life problems into courses so students have early exposure to the positive societal role of computer science.
6. Educators should provide students with a well-rounded understanding of the discipline of CS and seek to overcome misconceptions.
7. Educators need funding for undergraduate research programs (especially at MSIs) because many students cannot afford to participate in summer programs unless they are compensated at a level equal to what they would earn in a summer job.
The report highlights the need for additional research to gain a more nuanced understanding of the inner workings of attrition and retention.
In addition to its recommendations, the report includes case studies from specific institutions, along with an examination of proven retention interventions.
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