It is clear in these financial times that the issues of student retention and persistence to graduation are more important than ever before. USA Today reported that several state legislatures are considering plans to base the funding for higher education on course and/or degree completion rates of the colleges and universities in their states. With this level of public focus on student success and persistence, it is imperative that we demonstrate clearly to our decision makers the strong connection between quality academic advising and student success, engagement, and persistence to graduation. In this 80 minute, 2009 slidecast presentation, NACADA Past President Susan Campbell and Executive Director Charlie Nutt return to build on the foundation laid in their 2007 broadcast (“Academic Advising's Integral Role in the Academic Success and Persistence of Students”). They share strategies for analysis of retention and persistence issues on your campus. They suggest strategies for advisors and advising administrators on how to utilize retention research and analysis in planning and implantation, as well as strategies for communicating with key administrators about the important role advising is playing and can play in student retention and persistence.