Vision on success and binding of students

Updated on 16 April 2012

The aim of the vision to improve study success and strengthen ties with students is to raise quality and reduce drop-out rates. Ultimately, this means that Avans University of Applied Sciences is placing an even greater focus on first-year students!

A number of initiatives are being implemented to get students off to a better start and help them to pass the propaedeutic phase. The vision aims to ensure that as many students as possible pass the propaedeutic phase in their first year.

Everyone can then move on together to the main phase without the need to catch up. The idea here is that students and lecturers will enter the main phase together with a high level of motivation, which in turn will improve the quality of the education.

New version of the infographic april 2011
(Click on the photo for full screen view)

Getting off to a better start

More and more study programs are currently examining whether first-year students can undergo an initial assessment before they even start their orientation. This assessment clarifies whether a student is sufficiently prepared to begin the study program.

A few students will be offered extra tuition in specific components. Fewer still will be called in to discuss the risks associated with their choice. The aim of this is to ensure that as many students as possible get off to a better start on their study program. After the first year, they can then start the second year without being held back by too many unfinished subjects.

Ensuring that strong students also feel challenged

The initial assessment also makes it possible to identify students who qualify for a program that challenges them, offers something extra and therefore keeps them interested in their study program. This is not only useful in view of the prospect of a higher intake of pre-university level students, also intermediate vocational education students and higher general secondary education students have demonstrated a desire to achieve excellent results during their prior education.

Not a one-sided process

Avans University of Applied Sciences wants to do everything in its power to minimize drop-out rates, but also aims to provide each student with the best possible support or an extra challenge where needed. Conversely, students are also expected to make every effort to ensure their studies are a success. It is not a one-sided process.

We are raising the bar!

We are therefore raising the bar for first-year students at Avans University of Applied Sciences! At the same time, counseling will be provided at an even earlier stage. We know from experience that the drop-out rate is lower in that case after the first year.

The counseling process to be introduced on a broader scale from the next academic year will also show on 1 February whether the studies are a good match for the student. This means that students who want to switch program will receive more effective counseling at an earlier stage.

From now on, prospective students will need to enroll earlier. Avans University of Applied Sciences must receive enrolment forms in the week following the examination results. This is essential to ensure that all students who embark on study programs have a good chance of success.

Infographic: Hippocampus Program Team, October 2010
Text compiled by Marije Markus, based on Unit Marketing, Communication and Student Relations' text, originally for the November 2010 edition of the Dean’s newsletter