Student Retention Resources for staff
The Retention Project
The goal of the Retention Project is to facilitate activities which will assist in retaining students at the University. A key task is the development of the University's Retention Plan.
In support of this are a range of activities and services - including this site containing resources directed at staff. Users of this site will find certain sections are in the process of development. Suggestions for improvements and additions are welcome.
Student retention is a key issue for Curtin University for a number of reasons.
- Funding issues: High attrition rates have financial implications:
- recruitment costs are partially wasted
- there is a loss of future fee and other income
- there may be effects on our sources of funding
- Courses and positions can be jeopardised:
- Where attrition rates remain high for extended periods, questions can be raised about viability
- Reputation:
- Students who have a good experience at the University are a positive influence on our reputation
- students who leave without completing their course may not have such good stories to tell
- Duty of Care and ethical considerations:
- Offering a place indicates a belief that the student has the potential to succeed.
- Some students (especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds) will need additional resources to succeed.
- Any student can become an "at-risk" student at any time for reasons beyond their control.
The Office of Strategy and Planning has an information portal at http://planning.curtin.edu.au/reportal.cfm. Staff may use this site to access current retention statistics.
