Student Retention & Success. 39. A great deal of work has been undertaken to improve retention at Southampton Solent University and this is embedded in our current systems and practices. Piloted in 2012/13, ‘On Track’ is a proactive means of dealing with complex ‘vulnerable student’ cases where engagement is potentially or actually under threat. On-Track seeks to Identify and monitor the most vulnerable students; pre-empt problems before they become insurmountable; and prevent students falling through the net by working closely with colleagues across the University Student Support Network and ensuring they are accessing relevant support. On Track participants may be students who have a mental health issue; are care-leavers; or who have attracted the attention of Faculty or LIS staff concerned about their welfare or engagement. The majority of On Track participants have a declared complex disability such as a mental health issue, complex Dyspraxia, Autism, ADHD, or anorexia. 12 are care-leavers who are monitored at a relatively low level unless a particular issue arises. We are pleased to report significant improvements in care leaver retention (in 2012-13 this was 100% at census date).
Student Retention & Success. The University’s approach to increasing student retention levels, particularly those from ‘fair access’ target groups is informed by two major BU projects. The first is the review of the student experience which culminated in the development of the Student Experience Strategy in 2010. The review explored the specifics of life as a BU student, and considered student feedback, staff feedback and a review of research across the sector. The strategy focuses on three core themes – student voice, student journey and student communities. Our retention strategy will touch on each of these themes. The second major project is the Here! Project, a partnership of Bournemouth University with Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx University and the University of Bradford. Here! is funded jointly through HEFCE and the Xxxx Xxxxxx Foundation and is one of seven projects that are part of the What Works! Student Retention and Success Programme. It is a three year project investigating the twin cores of why some first year students have doubts, but stay, and why some first year programmes retain their first year students better than their peers. The project is important because it concentrates on retention rather than withdrawal, wellness rather than illness.
