1. Cross-University Projects Review
Retention and Success
Will Bowen-Jones

2. UW Attendance Policy (approved at AB 04-07-18)
Purpose is to provide a clear statement to students of the University’s expectations with regards to attendance, and also to ensure all staff understand their responsibilities with respect to monitoring student attendance and engagement.
“The University is committed to providing high quality face-to-face learning opportunities for its students supported by online learning opportunities and resources.”

3. The ‘Protocols’: Key features for 2018/19:
Attendance recorded throughout the academic year* and student absence s will be automated (first 3 weeks only)
First 4 weeks of semester 1 again be the focus for withdrawing any students for whom there is no evidence of engagement.
However intention is to respond to patterns of absence/non-engagement throughout the year – there are plans to introduce a ‘Student Progress’ week (early February)
Where there is no evidence of engagement following early signs of attendance/engagement, action may still be taken
* Staff Guidance has been produced for using Electronic Registers

4. Institute Retention and Success Leads
Each institute volunteered 2 R&S Leads
Initially all responsible for semester 1 ‘protocols’ feedback
Then divided into 2 groups (‘protocols’ and ‘success’)
Following Retention Conference in January each group met 3 times

5. Key Outcomes and Issues
NS students: reports made available at February exam boards)
Attendance Policy and updated protocols for 2018/19
Electronic registers
Developing an evidence base for links between regular attendance and academic success
Monitoring student engagement and academic progress (Scheme Board decisions re: progression)
Students who interrupt their studies
In-year reassessment

6. Other related areas of the project
January Retention Conference ( ): led to drafting of UW retention strategy and initial formulation of a 5 year retention and success plan
Students’ Union Retention ‘Nudges’ Calendar (August 2017): Created as a result of information gathered by the students' union to support our drive to enhance student retention and success and used to influence timing of release of plasma/my day posters.
VTD Assistantship (July 2018): “To investigate the links between patterns of attendance at classes and academic achievement”