If we in academia are really concerned about retention, we must forge embracing, caring, supportive, encouraging, and empathetic connection. Make it a good day. --Louis-- Louis Schmier http://www.therandomthoughts.com Department of History Valdosta State University Valdosta, Georgia 31698 /\ /\ /\ /\ (229-333-5947) /^\\/ \/ \ /\/\__/\ \/\ / \/ \_ \/ / \/ /\/ \ /\ //\/\/ /\ \__/__/_/\_\ \_/__\ /\"If you want to climb mountains,\ /\ _ / \ don't practice on mole hills" -