Turning attrition around: effective partnerships for improving student retention

Retaining students is a critical strategy for Australian universities. Victoria University (VU), Melbourne, had levels of attrition which were higher than operationally and educationally palatable. As one intervention to address this issue, VU embarked on a project to operationalize a whole of university approach to the first year experience which was strategic, systematic, flexible and responsive. A key aim of the project was to ensure that ownership of the initiative rested with the colleges of the university in partnership with supporting professional staff. This paper reports on a pilot model for achieving this, through the development of an academic First Year Champion role, working with Academic Support and Development lecturers towards implementing a 'transition pedagogy' in the largest college at the university. Early indications suggest that the pilot has increased awareness of the importance of effective partnerships around retention. The model has now been extended to other colleges.

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