Safer Campuses, Stronger Retention: The ROI of Violence Prevention
Description
Higher education is in the midst of a transformative era—particularly in how federal and state policies address civil rights. But beyond compliance, what truly drives institutional action, and what improves student outcomes? This session makes the case that violence prevention is not only a moral and public health obligation—it’s a strategic investment in student recruitment, retention, and completion. We will share compelling data illustrating the financial and academic costs of attrition, the disproportionate impacts on marginalized student groups, and the clear link between campus safety and student success. Building on these findings, we will introduce a new evidence-informed model connecting enrollment, prevention, and completion. This framework replaces outdated, one-size-fits-all approaches with tailored, data-driven strategies proven to prevent harm, support survivors, and strengthen institutional sustainability.
Learning Outcomes
- Analyze new data demonstrating how student experiences of violence and harassment directly affect recruitment, retention, and completion rates.
- Assess the financial, reputational, and equity-related consequences of attrition driven by unaddressed violence on campus.
- Evaluate a new framework that connects enrollment, prevention, and completion through targeted, evidence-based interventions.
- Identify practical steps institutional leaders can take to integrate tailored and effective violence prevention into institutional strategic plans, compliance efforts, and student success initiatives.
Kelly Gallagher, MBA, M.Ed.
Director of Business Strategy and Product
Grand River Solutions
Kelly Gallagher is responsible for developing and executing strategy for products and offerings, ensuring alignment with the overall business objectives at Grand River Solutions. She plays a central leadership role in the management of Case Tracker, the software platform designed specifically to support the work of institutional equity offices, including the automation of best-practices for communication and party support. Kelly joined Grand River Solutions in October 2020, after nearly 15 years of experience in education. Kelly’s experience at Grand River Solutions includes service as a product manager, delegated Title IX Coordinator, and hearing officer.
Most recently prior to joining Grand River Solutions, Kelly served as a senior leader at Columbia University, including oversight of the institution’s Title IX investigation and adjudication processes. During her tenure at Columbia University, she was a leader in the establishment of the office that develops, interprets, and applies student policies related to compliance, including Title IX. In response to the May 2020 Title IX Regulations, Kelly led the cross-university advisory group to create Columbia University’s strategic and operational response to the U.S. Department of Education’s updated set of regulations, including the development of a new policy and procedure. Kelly received her Master of Business Administration degree from Columbia Business School, her Master of Education degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of South Carolina, and her Bachelor of the Arts degree in Sociology from Syracuse University.