There are four key themes useful for understanding risk factors for student attrition (Naylor, Baik, & Arkoudis 2018). These are:
- A sense of belonging – students that feel they belong to and are socially integrated in the university community are more likely to continue studies.
- Workload Stress – students that are able to manage the demands of university alongside other commitments are more likely to continue studies.
- Intellectual Engagement – students that are enjoying or motivated towards intellectual involvement in their studies are more likely to continue.
- Feeling Supported – students that feel supported by university staff are more likely to continue studies.
Course Coordinators are in a unique position to apply these themes to course delivery and create conditions that encourage student perseverance. Example actions are detailed below:
A sense of Belonging |
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Workload Stress |
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Intellectual Engagement |
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Feeling Supported |
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Sample Retention Timeline
Time | Action |
Week 1 |
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Week 2 |
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Week 3 |
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Week 4 |
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Week 5-9 |
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Week 9-13 |
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Sample Email Templates
The sample emails below have been drafted to assist in emailing students via the Canvas New Analytics tool. Please edit the templates to suit your context. More templates are available in the Teacher’s Guide to Supporting Students.
Student has not logged into specific resource on Canvas – prior to census
Welcome to [COURSE NAME]
I’m very happy you have chosen to learn about [COURSE TOPIC] as part of this course. I’ve noticed that you haven’t yet accessed [RESOURCE] on the Canvas course site. A lot of important material (including assessments) is placed on the course site, so it’s vital that you access course resources on Canvas while completing the course. If you’re having problems accessing the site, let me know. I look forward to engaging with you throughout the semester.
If I can be of any help, please feel free to get in touch.
Kind regards,
[CC Name]
Student has not submitted assessment
Hello,
I’ve noticed that you haven’t yet submitted your assessment. I encourage you to submit your assessment as soon as you can, as for each day past the due date, you risk 10% of the total possible grade for that assessment being deducted.
If you are experiencing circumstances out of your control that have impacted your ability to complete your assignment (like illness), know that you can apply for adverse circumstances. You can find more information on applying for Adverse Circumstances at https://askuon.newcastle.edu.au.
If I can be of any help, please feel free to get in touch.
Kind regards,
[CC Name]
Student has failed early assessment
Hello,
I know some of you may be disappointed at your recent grade, especially after putting in such a big effort, but please know there is plenty of time left to lift your grade! I have had many students who have struggled with this assessment go on to do well in the course. Please have a read of the feedback provided to you. If you would like more detailed suggestions as to what to focus on to improve your grades, please get in touch with me.
Alternatively, you may consider accessing university support services. There are many services that focus on academic, personal and IT matters and are available to help all students in their university journey.
Kind regards,
[CC Name]
Reference and further readings
Naylor, R., Baik, C., & Arkoudis, S. (2018). Identifying attrition risk based on the first year experience. Higher Education Research & Development, 37(2), 328-342. doi:10.1080/07294360.2017.1370438
Stone, C., & Crawford N. (2020). Three Essentials in moving online. National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education https://www.ncsehe.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/3-Essentials-online.pdf
Teacher’s Guide to Supporting Students (2021) University of Newcastle Student Retention and Success Sharepoint
Thomas, L. (2012) Building student engagement and belonging in higher education at a time of change: final report from the What works? Student retention & success programme. Higher Education Academy https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/knowledge-hub/building-student-engagement-and-belonging-higher-education-time-change-final-report
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