Student success at university : using early profiling and interventions to support learning

Two processes were trialled at an Australian regional university to support first year student success in their studies. Upon enrolment, students ‘at risk’ of failing are identified through their responses to the Student Readiness Questionnaire. Interventions are provided immediately to support these students. In a second process, staff working with first year students supported them to engage more effectively in their studies. The findings suggest that early identification of students considered ‘at risk’ prior to starting their university studies allows the university to focus resources to support these students early. Also, strategies supporting students to engage more fully in their studies from the outset of their degree support higher rates of success.