Resources for
Everything you need for each step
Catching students before they fall Tips and advice on facing up to student attrition in higher education
When students’ crucial first semesters are almost over, there will be some who have found the transition to student life and new surroundings difficult, others whose personal circumstances are providing barriers to remaining in full-time education and many more who find themselves struggling to keep up academically. So, what can universities do to keep their students onboard and engaged at this crucial time of year? This collection of resources offers help and advice on making sure new students feel welcome on campus, spotting when someone is struggling early and which supports to offer, understanding the key drivers behind students dropping out of university and much more.
Copyright © 2025 THE - Times Higher Education. All rights reserved. How to help students with widely varied prior education to thrive in first year
How can university educators ensure their first - year teaching caters to widely varying prior knowledge and skills among students ? Bethan Gulliver explains a three - pronged approach
How can universities ensure all new students feel welcome ?
Nikki Anghileri and Elizabeth Parker share practical tips on executing an impactful and memorable welcome transition …
Gatekeepers or greeters ? We must demystify university for first - gen students
Stone Meredith gives advice on using positive introductory phrases and how this can help first - generation students navigate university
How universities can ensure first - generation students and their families …
A first - generation college student herself now working in enrolment , Aimee Huffstetler , shares insight into what …
Welcome events make the transition to hybrid
A hybrid orientation programme can be immersive , flexible , interactive , engaging and fun . These tips offer a path to developing a …
Understanding attrition : what can be done to reduce student dropouts post pandemic ?
How has the pandemic affected student dropout rates ? And what can universities can do to boost student retention now and in the future ? We discuss student attrition with a panel of experts from the UK and Australia
Use technology to catch students before they fall
Working remotely with no face - to - face contact is a challenge for many students . May Lim and Li Siong Lim explain how educators can use technology to identify and help struggling students before they fall behind
Should we be aiming for student happiness or student satisfaction ?
Happiness and satisfaction are two sides of the same coin , but crucial differences exist between them – and one serves our …
Comfort without coddling : how to make students comfortable in the …
How do educators foster a safe environment for students while encouraging their independence ? Brooke Wilson discusses why …
Confusion diffusion : nine ways to prepare students to work with uncertainty
Jenny Moffett explores classroom techniques to help students meet the demands of an increasingly complex and rapidly changing …
Developing an explorer mindset to build resilience
Developing an ‘ explorer mindset ’ can help faculty and students build resilience by moving from fear to curiosity , as Portia …
A holistic approach to student support
Student support , particularly for care - leavers or estranged students , is vital throughout their university journey – from pre - application to beyond graduation . Here , Fran Hornsby and Rebecca Clark offer tips for demonstrating genuine care as you do it
Knowledge and approaches needed for trauma - informed teaching
What steps can be taken to minimise trauma in the classroom ? Marc Mason explains how it works and presents itself
How to design early college programmes that foster success for under - represented …
David Dugger explains what an early college programme should focus on in order to improve outcomes for students from under …
How to attract and support non - traditional students in higher education
Hurdles and obstacles are created from the outset and then vice - chancellors wonder why their student population is not diverse , says …
How block teaching supports students from under - represented groups
Shorter , more immersive units are helping raise attainment and success for students with complex and diverse needs
A ‘ motivation and engagement wheel ’ to keep students on board
The wheel model was designed to help demystify student motivation and provide targeted help where and when necessary , explains Andrew J . Martin
Digital exclusion hits students hardest at the start of their journey
VLEs , intranets , sports and social apps – the digital ecosystem at university is vast . We must induct students into it quickly and carefully to prevent them falling behind
The top three engagement challenges facing admissions teams …
Whether it ' s due to ‘ ghosting ’ or ‘ student melt ’ , prospective students are harder than ever before to attract and hold on to , but a …
Pay it forward : how to help students secure financial aid
How college administrators can help prospective and enrolled students secure financial aid to see them through higher education , by …
IPEDS and the trouble with student metrics in the US
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System surveys hold great weight in the higher education system , but they are …
How to ensure college admissions are equitable and accessible
As a first - generation college student , Aimee Huffstetler knows how daunting the application process can be . Now working in enrolment , …
Offering students a green gap year has multiple rewards
James Derounian makes the case for a gap year in which school - leavers can engage with university while tackling climate change and helping with community development
Government needs to step up in the student retention battle
The higher education sector needs the resources to get better at spotting students at risk of falling behind or dropping out altogether , says John Couperthwaite
