CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF STUDENT RETENTION POLICY IN THE B.S CRIMINOLOGY PROGRAM: BASIS FOR POLICY ENHANCEMENT

This study, completed in 2026, examined the challenges encountered in implementing the student retention policy in the Bachelor of Science in Criminology program at Saint Ferdinand College–Cabagan Campus as a basis for policy enhancement. Using a descriptive quantitative design, data were collected through a questionnaire from 220 second- and third-year criminology students, six faculty members, and four administrators during Academic Year 2025–2026. Frequency and percentage distributions, weighted means, analysis of variance, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were employed. Findings revealed that students sometimes experienced emotional, academic, social, and long-term challenges, with an overall mean of 3.31. Long-term challenges obtained the highest mean of 3.34, followed by emotional and social challenges at 3.30 each, and academic challenges at 3.29. Stress and anxiety, reduced motivational and family support, repeated coursework, perceived inequitable treatment, and delayed graduation emerged as prominent concerns. Administrators and faculty sometimes encountered finance, educational quality, and implementation-related issues, while concerns regarding enrollment and institutional reputation were less frequent. A significant relationship was found between students’ academic performance and emotional challenges, whereas academic, social, and long-term challenges showed no significant relationships with performance. A significant difference was also identified between administrators’ and faculty members’ perceptions of policy implementation. The study concludes that although the retention policy supports academic standards, its implementation creates emotional, financial, instructional, and progression concerns. Policy enhancement should emphasize transparent communication, reasonable examination fees, shared administrative and faculty oversight, academic remediation, counseling, peer mentoring, stress-management services, and periodic evaluation to promote rigor, fairness, student well-being, and institutional sustainability.