Improving retention rates at first year for modern engineering students

Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand) is a relatively new provider of engineering in the “modern” specialisations of electronics, networking and software. As a professional degree with essentially open entry, we have historically retained only 43% of our first year enrolments. Government directives to increase the number of engineering graduates coupled with financial penalties for poor course and degree completion have led VUW to prioritize increasing this first year retention rate. Taking into account academic preparedness, expectational issues and other contributing factors we present a number of initiatives that have increased student engagement and first year grades. Whilst several of these initiatives are still being developed, immediate results indicate an improvement in student satisfaction and an improving retention result.