Student Transition, Access, Retention and Success (STARS) Unit
This unit focuses on facilitating a seamless transition for students between different academic phases, ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities, fostering retention by keeping students engaged and enrolled, and ultimately promoting success by helping students achieve their academic and personal goals. It emphasizes the importance of supporting students throughout their educational journey and ensuring that they have the resources and support they need to succeed. The unit offers the following programmes:
1.First-Year Experience (FYE)
This aspect of STARS focuses on providing psychosocial support tailored specifically for first-year students, helping them navigate the challenges and adjustments associated with transitioning to university life. FYE programmes typically include orientation sessions, workshops, mentorship programmes, and other initiatives aimed at fostering a sense of belonging and easing the transition into higher education.
FYE Goals
- Sharing of best practices
- Develop university study skills & behaviours.
- Engage effective education practices.
- For all FYs not only students at risk
- Both in and outside faculties
- ‘Bolt-on’ and ‘built-in’
FYE Strategies
- Extended orientation presentations
- Early warning, referral & support system
- Early identification of at-risk students
- First-Year workshops, seminars & talks
- Ongoing support for first-year students
- Functional mentoring programme for first-year students
- Online material available on YouTube (CPUTFYE)
- CPUT 101 programme on Blackboard
FYE Roll Out
- FYE goodie bags
- 1st year welcoming
- 1st year orientation
- Retention officers (R.O) and mentors
- FYE workshops
- FYE online materials
- Year-round mentors and R.O
2. Academic Advising (AA)
AA within STARS involves providing students with personalized guidance and support in planning their academic paths. Academic advisors help students explore their interests, set academic goals, choose courses, and navigate academic requirements. This guidance is crucial for ensuring that students make informed decisions about their academic journey and stay on track towards their educational objectives. Academic Advising at CPUT focuses on:
- Student learning,
- Educational experiences, and
- Seeks to connect students’ academic interests and skills with their personal and career ambitions.
3. STEM Support
This component focuses on providing academic support specifically tailored for students enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses. It includes tutoring services, supplemental instruction sessions, workshops, and other resources designed to enhance student learning and success in STEM disciplines. Application for STEM support can be accessed here: https://forms.office.com/r/d87tFTNvXg
4. Tutor & TA Development:
This initiative involves the training and professional development of tutors and teaching assistants (TAs) who play a crucial role in supporting student learning. These programmes equip tutors and TAs with the necessary skills, knowledge, and pedagogical strategies to effectively assist students in their academic pursuits, enhancing the overall quality of academic support services provided. Requirements for becoming a tutor includes:
- CPUT students from 2nd year upwards.
- Good academic record (above 60% overall performance).
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
5. Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP)
The ECP component of STARS focuses on providing additional support and resources for students who may benefit from an extended curriculum or specialised academic assistance. This includes students with diverse learning needs, students transitioning from non-traditional educational backgrounds, or those requiring extra support to succeed academically.
