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Curtin Retention

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.

  1. 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
  2. Courses and positions can be jeopardised:
    • Where attrition rates remain high for extended periods, questions can be raised about viability
  3. 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
  4. 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.

 

Staff Forum - A Fork in the Road: Intervening with students placed on Conditional Status

Thursday 27 September 2007
10 am – noon
A summary of the discussion and recommendations

Picture of a Fork in a Road

The discussion showed there is some variation in the way schools deal with students on Conditional status. Models include:

Some commonly observed difficulties include:

Three fundamental problems were identified, with some suggested solutions:

One: How to communicate effectively to students the meaning of Conditional status

Two: Getting students to take action to return to Good Standing

Three: Enabling staff to deal with the issue

Strategies to intervene with students on Conditional status are under active consideration as a key part of the draft Retention Plan.

Curtin Students on Campus