Student TrAnsition, Retention and Success (STARS)
The STaRS project was established in 2013 to provide support and oversight to the planning and implementation of initiatives and activities to support student transition, progression, and retention.
STaRS facilitates a number School-based transition and retention actions, in addition to coordinating a 'functional network' of STaRS Coordinators. Each School has one or two academic or professional STaRS Coordinators who act as the conduit for the sharing of information between Schools and across the whole of the institution as well as fulfilling the 'touch point' for School staff regarding transition and retention.
A further goal of the STaRS project is supporting and advancing the evidence base underpinning strategy development and evaluation, as well as promoting scholarly outcomes through the STaRS Program of Research. STaRS also facilitates a Community of Practice for STaRS Coordinators and others interested in transition and retention. A list of current School STaRS Coordinators can be found on the STaRS Community of Practice (opens in a new window) page (Staff log-in required).
Connect and collaborate with Dr Colin Clark, Project Officer, Learning Transformations.
More Information
1. The 8 Guiding Principles for STaRS
Sector best practice, supported by a comprehensive body of research and theory demonstrates the imperative for an institution wide coordinated approach to the first year experience and transition (Kift, Nelson & Clarke, 2010), otherwise described as a Third Generation approach (Lizzio, 2009; Kift, 2009). Such an approach needs to connect curricular and co-curricular strategies and initiatives so as to enable a congruent and cohesive experience for students. This approach is exemplified in the
STaRS Guiding Principles (PDF, 371.67 KB) (opens in a new window).
2. Impact of STaRS
STARS Coordinators provide a resource for school managers and tutors who monitor transition and retention (T&R) efforts and disseminate relevant knowledge. Through meetings, invited guests, and the activities of coordinators, the STARS CoP has:
- Conducted four Community of Practice meetings per year and maintained resources
- Facilitated staff understanding of the Academic Integrity Module and provided regular updates
- Trained coordinators in the use of Argos to retrieve student data, teaching tools such as the Slack app, and demonstrated the use of analytical tools such as Kapiche for qualitative feedback and Turnitin for assessment.
- Disseminated information on School/University policy such as the School of Business retention strategies and the use of Artificial Intelligence.
- Debated questions of policy, such as ‘Are we over-assessing students?’
- Promoted the display and discussion of the STARS key transition message slides in each first-year core transition subject.
- Facilitated ethics approval for over 30 research projects on transition and retention via the START Program of Research and promoted the Badugulang Research Grant Program
- Invited the Head of Teaching and Curriculum to explain the Engaged Teaching Project and the Near-Real-Time Student Learning Analytics Project to coordinators
- Instructed members on the introduction of Artificial Intelligence in teaching, including its implications for assessment, digital literacy, and academic integrity
3. How does STaRS address Sustaining Success: The University's 2021–2026 Strategic Plan?
STaRS directly addresses two of the University's goals (opens in a new window) helping the University to "Increase the retention of our domestic and international students and the quality and employability of our graduates" and "Improve student satisfaction, engagement, support and belongingness". So far it has produced measurable outcomes for the KPI of Student Retention, while influencing both Student Satisfaction, and Widening Participation. Furthermore, with its focus on collecting evidence, STaRS will in the future contribute towards the University's Research Outcomes.
4. Why is the Community of Practice site "staff only"?
This site is for the use of the Schools' STaRS Coordinators and contains confidential information and reports, plus any work in progress. STaRS Coordinators can log in using their usual staff log-in.
If you have an idea for a project, or an issue that needs investigation please do not hesitate to contact the Learning Futures Team