Helping students to persist with and succeed in their first year of higher education

Attrition, particularly amongst students in their first year of study, has been problematic for universities because of economic and social ramifications. While differences exist in the way universities have approached this issue, the literature shows the need for a holistic strategy that aims to facilitate and enhance student engagement with their institutions. Flinders University has supported the development of a centrally run program to contact first-year students who are likely to drop out. Predictions from machine learning models, built using big data, were utilised to target intervention throughout 2014. Students were contacted by their peers, who welcomed and advised students of the services on campus. Almost two-thirds of the 4100 students in scope were successfully contacted. Preliminary findings showed an effective targeting strategy, with reduced student attrition, improved appreciation and effective utilisation of student support services. These findings continue to shape the ongoing development of the Student Success Program