Retention – Performance and New Developments Sample Clauses

Retention – Performance and New Developments. The University’s Widening Participation Strategic Assessment submission (2008/9- 2011/12) highlighted the sector wide correlation between institutional entrant profile and non continuation. Although the University’s retention performance has improved over recent years 2009/10 Higher Education Statistics Agency Performance Indicators still show that the university is performing below its benchmark with some constituent groups. (Full- time first degree young entrants (10.9% not in HE compared with a benchmark of 9.3%), and 18.4% of mature entrants not in HE compared to a benchmark of 14.2%). However, this is a retrospective assessment and relates to students joining the University in 2008. The impact of interventions and initiatives introduced for students joining the institution in September 2010 will not be reported in published indicators until March 2013. Due to a strategic approach to institutional retention the University would expect retention rates to improve over the period 2010/11 - 2011/12. The University understands the importance of investment in retention initiatives and support for students throughout their student journey. Key activity includes: Improved in-year management information and the monitoring of performance via the University’s formal academic committee structure Local retention plans that identify the behaviour of constituent student groups and the non-completion characteristics of different academic subjects Targeted interventions for vulnerable students at different stages of the student journey Enhanced access to specialist support through the University’s Student Gateway for both on and off-campus students The University will continue to invest in planned initiatives to promote retention and is looking to meet institutional benchmark levels by 2015 through a year on year incremental improvement. Plans for 2011/12 include: More targeted academic support arrangements for students in need Significant development in early strategies for new students to ensure they settle into academic life Enhanced induction programmes to widen the scope of academic and social activity, including input from Alumni and employers Development via academic teams to establish programme identity amongst student cohorts The implementation of relevant aspects of the What Works? Student Retention and Success Programme, (a project funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England and The ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Foundation.)