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Last Chance Saloon: Academic Probation as a Retention and Achievement Tool?. Sue Edwards, Ba(Hons), PGPLT Student Liaison Officer University of Derby Derbyshire, UK. University of Derby?. Derby University – Who are our students?. Total of 22,000 students from 120 countries - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Last Chance Saloon: Academic Probation as a Retention and Achievement Tool?
Sue Edwards, Ba(Hons), PGPLTStudent Liaison OfficerUniversity of DerbyDerbyshire, UK
University of Derby?
Derby University – Who are our students?
Total of 22,000 students from 120 countries
84% are aged under 24 years
73% are from the Midlands region (less than 150 miles)
16% have 321 points from A Levels
Workshop Aims
• Briefly review the history, development and implementation of academic probation contracts
• Recognise the simplicity of the system used– utilising information already available– reducing financial outlay and set up cost – opportunity for support
• Findings of review and case studies • Self-Audit of your own institutions’ practice• Opportunity for debate and questions
History• 2010-2011 academic year
81 students were issued with 14 day notices of intended withdrawal.
no formalised system for monitoring or supporting the students who were allowed to continue with their studies.
• 2011-12 academic year
90 students issued with 14 day notices of intended withdrawal
simple system of “academic probation agreements” – mandatory - clearly set out a framework of expectations and minimum performance
Development
Existing system – attendance monitoring leading to issue of W14 notice or students identified at the END of the academic year and removed for academic failure.
Step in earlier - Traffic Lighting
Green - academic achievement = Success
Amber - substandard engagement
low academic performance, missing
assignments, poor attendance,
class behaviour, health, debt
Red – stop attending, failed modules
What did we already know about students’ engagement?
Attendance Monitoring
Non-submission reports
Finance information
Academic referrals
Sickness reporting
Academic failures
Average module results
Exceptional Extenuating Circumstance Claims
W14/Academic Probation Contract
W14 issued
No contact Contact made
14 Day Removal Appointment
Immediate Removal
No ActionAcademic Probation
Break of Study
Regular review
Study continues with support
Probation Broken Immediate Withdrawal
Case Studies - The Contracts
• Rachel – widespread non-attendance across all modules, failed modules from first semester, poor mental health previously undisclosed, no support being received, no EEC applied for
• Sara – good attendance on one module, poor attendance on all others, non-submissions, missing coursework, broken promises/untruths
• Keira – poor attendance, missing coursework, disruptive behaviour
Case Studies - What happened next?
• Rachel – Graduated with a third class degree, accessed health services.
• Sara – Continues to perform poorly, attendance patchy, expected to fail majority of course in June, no improvement in study attitude.
• Keira – Continues on course, very happy and will be graduating with full honours degree, predicted 2:2. No further problems with other students, refers other students to Student Liaison Officer.
Self Audit• What data do you already hold?
– Attendance– Academic results
• What do you currently do with that data?• What could you do?
– Meetings, contracts• Partnerships?
– Support Services/Medical Services– Academics
Debate/Questions
• Do you think that “academic probation agreements” have value either as a mass advising tool or as a “last chance saloon” for hard to reach individuals?
• Where do you stand on this “tough love” approach to advising?
Thank you for your time ……
Sue Edwards
Student Liaison Officer
University of Derby
Room MS105
Markeaton Street
Derby DE22 1GB
+44 (1332) 593226
