Company number: 12497951
6 Sutton Park Road, Sutton, SM1 2GD

Engagement with Studies and Retention Policy

Policy Statement

Active student engagement is vital for academic success and a dynamic educational experience.

The School is committed to ensuring all students take an active role in their learning journey, supported at every step.

This policy defines the expectations for student participation and outlines the support the School provides to achieve these goals.

 

Principles

  • Consistency: Encouraging consistent engagement with studies as a foundation for academic success.
  • Participation: Emphasising the importance of active participation in lectures, seminars, and related academic activities.
  • Support: Providing robust support systems to assist students in engaging with their studies.
  • Monitoring: Keeping regular track of student engagement as a means of early identification of potential concerns.
  • Feedback: Offering constructive feedback to students on their engagement levels to facilitate improvement.
  • Responsiveness: Reacting promptly to changes in student engagement with appropriate interventions.
  • Communication: Ensuring clear communication regarding the expectations and benefits of engagement.
  • Inclusivity: Recognising diverse learning needs and adapting engagement approaches accordingly.
  • Motivation: Inspiring students to take ownership of their learning through engaged participation.
  • Wellbeing: Considering the holistic wellbeing of students as integral to their capacity to engage.
  • Fairness: Treating all students equitably in the evaluation of their engagement.
  • Continuous Improvement: Continually refining engagement strategies and policies based on feedback and educational research.

Regulatory Context

This Policy has been developed in line with the applicable laws, regulations, regulatory advice, and sector best practices, including the following:

Authority Name Url
Office for Students (OfS) Regulatory framework for higher education in England
This framework outlines OfS' primary aim to ensure positive outcomes for students, including access, success, and progress in higher education. It covers quality academic experience, progress into employment, and value for money.
UK Government Equality Act 2010
Equalities law to prohibit harassment and victimisation, and eliminate discrimination, including in the area of further and higher education, particularly with regards to specified personal characteristics.
Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) The Quality Code
This code represents a shared understanding of quality practice across the UK higher education sector, protecting public and student interests and championing the UK's reputation for quality.
Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Advice - Enabling Student Achievement
Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Advice - Learning and Teaching
Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Advice - Student Engagement
Guidance on student engagement in higher education, focusing on quality assurance and enhancement processes.

Commitment to Academic Participation

Title
Rule
Engagement in Learning

All students must actively engage with their studies—defined as the active participation in learning activities, including attendance, class participation, and timely completion of assignments—to gain the full benefit of their education at the School. This expectation applies to all students, regardless of visa status.

Active engagement is essential for student success, fostering a productive learning environment and enhancing academic achievement. This includes participating in various learning activities such as lectures, seminars, and group work. The School also has legal obligations to monitor and report on student engagement, particularly for those on a sponsored visa. Engaging in these activities not only meets immigration compliance but also supports personal development. The Admissions Team provides clear information on UKVI engagement requirements. For further details, refer to the Visa Sponsorship and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) Policy. The School's commitment extends to supporting all students, including those studying remotely or through different modes of study.

Student Charter

Title
Advice
Student Charter Responsibilities

The School has a Student Charter outlining its vision, commitments, and student expectations. This Charter will be reviewed with students during Welcome Week.

The Student Charter aims to create a diverse and inclusive community, helping students reach their full potential and achieve their ambitions. For these goals to be realised, both staff and students must actively participate and fulfil their roles within the community. The Student Support and Wellbeing Policy further details the School’s commitment to student success.

Duties Defined by the Student Charter

Title
Rule
Student Responsibilities as Outlined in the Charter

Students will:

  1. Prepare: Invest the necessary time, commitment, and diligence to excel in their studies.
  2. Attend: Attend all lectures, seminars, assessments, and other academic events. If unable to attend, notify the School promptly.
  3. Engage: Participate fully in their studies, provide constructive feedback for improvement, and engage with dedication.
  4. Opportunity: Utilise the School’s teaching, resources, and facilities effectively and appropriately.
  5. Support: Help peers succeed through friendly and constructive support, offering feedback to aid their progress.
  6. Respect: Adhere to all School regulations and policies; seek clarification from staff if needed.
  7. Ambassadors: Represent the School positively and avoid actions that could harm its reputation.
  8. Community: Actively participate in the School community, attend events when possible, and uphold the School’s values.

These responsibilities ensure that students are fully engaged, contributing to their own success and the strength of the School community. The Charter is designed to guide students in making the most of their time at the School, fostering a supportive, respectful, and thriving academic environment.

Institutional Pledges for Academic Achievement

Title
Rule
School Commitments to Student Success

The School will:

  1. Innovation: Invest in and deliver programmes that are innovative, adaptable, and designed to meet the diverse needs of our students.
  2. Excellence: Strive for excellence in education by using advanced technologies to enhance learning and teaching.
  3. Support: Provide students with access to peer, academic, and professional support.
  4. Inspiration: Encourage students to become creators and innovators, motivating them to envision and contribute to a better world.
  5. Collaboration: Involve students in programme development and actively seek their feedback on their experiences.
  6. Community: Build a learning community based on mutual respect, supported by a physical and digital environment that aligns with students’ learning and living preferences.
  7. Influence: Offer a unique and inclusive student experience while engaging with and influencing the broader educational sector.
  8. Outcome-focused: Design programmes that deliver tangible outcomes and positive returns on investment for students, addressing real-world challenges and connecting them with top employment or entrepreneurial opportunities.

These commitments and actions are designed to foster a supportive, respectful, and inclusive learning environment that empowers students to succeed and actively participate in their educational journey. Staff involvement is crucial in identifying and addressing any issues that may impact student engagement and wellbeing.

Student Support and Engagement Points

Title
Rule
Monitoring Student Engagement

The Automated Governance System (AGS) automatically logs all student activities and interactions with the School, known as engagement points. These records must be accessible to School staff for inspection and available as evidence of student engagement at any time.

Monitoring engagement points ensures that students are actively participating in their studies. This includes both academic activities, such as attending tutorials, submitting coursework, and taking exams, as well as administrative interactions, such as enrolment, requesting absence authorisation, and engaging with the Student Success Team. Access to these records allows the School to track and support student progress effectively.
Advice
Support and Resources

To assist students in maintaining engagement, the School provides various support resources, including:

  • Academic Advising: Guidance on course selection, study strategies, and academic performance.
  • Tutoring Services: Access to peer and professional tutors who can help enhance understanding of course material.
  • Mental Health Resources: Confidential support services for students experiencing emotional or psychological challenges.
  • Workshops and Training Sessions: Opportunities aimed at enhancing study skills, time management, and overall academic performance.

By integrating robust monitoring with comprehensive support resources, the School ensures that students are not only accountable for their engagement but also have the necessary tools to succeed.

Retention Strategies

Title
Rule
Importance of Retention

Student retention is a key priority for the School. The School is committed to providing a supportive and engaging learning environment that enables students to succeed in their studies and graduate successfully.

Retention aims to ensure every student thrives academically and personally, reducing attrition.
Rule
Retention Strategies

The main retention strategies include:

a. Early Identification of At-Risk Students

  • Implementing an early warning system through the AGS to track attendance, engagement, and academic performance, overseen by the Student Success Team.
  • Training staff to recognise signs of academic or personal struggles and to offer timely support.

b. Academic Support and Intervention

  • Providing tailored academic support, including study skills workshops and personal academic tutoring.
  • Offering flexible learning options for students facing academic challenges.
  • Ensuring accessible feedback and guidance from academic staff to support student learning.

c. Personalised Student Support Services

  • Establishing a dedicated Student Success Team to provide guidance on academic, financial, and personal matters.
  • Offering mental health and well-being services.
  • Providing financial assistance schemes.

d. Student Engagement and Community Building

  • Creating discussion groups to help students integrate into School life.
  • Encouraging student participation in extracurricular activities, societies, and events.
  • Building strong student-staff relationships through regular one-to-one meetings and feedback sessions.

e. Effective Induction and Transition Support

  • Delivering a comprehensive orientation programme to help students adapt to School life.
  • Offering pre-arrival support via the Student Success Team for students who may require additional preparation.
  • Assigning PATs to help students.

f. Career Development and Employability Support

  • Embedding career-focused learning opportunities within academic programmes.
  • Securing work placements, internships, and industry engagement initiatives.
  • Ensuring students understand the career benefits of completing their degree.

The purpose of these strategies is to create a supportive learning environment that fosters student success, engagement, well-being, and long-term retention.
Rule
Monitoring and Evaluation

The School will:

  • Regularly analyse student retention data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
  • Conduct student feedback surveys and Student Experience Group meetings to gather insights on retention challenges.
  • Reporting on and use the data generated from all of the above to refine and enhance retention strategies.

This will proactively support students, enhance engagement, address challenges, and improve retention for academic and career success.

Student Success in All Learning Formats

Title
Definition
High-Quality Academic Experience Across Modes of Study

The School ensures a high-quality academic experience across all modes of study, maintaining consistency and academic rigor for students in Full-Time Blended Learning, Part-Time Blended Learning, Accelerated Blended Learning, and Flexible Online Learning. The key difference between modes lies in the delivery methods after students complete the flipped learning component.

Through flipped learning, all students have the same opportunity to study via video or text-based materials, followed by deep dives into core concepts and real-world case studies. Support is available to all students through 24/7 AI tutor assistance, human tutor support, and Personal Academic Tutors (PATs), ensuring personalised guidance across all study modes.

After the flipped learning component, Blended Learning students participate in timetabled live workshops and seminars, interacting in real-time with peers and tutors to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. In contrast, Flexible Online students complete asynchronous, self-paced activities, such as AI-led simulations and reflective exercises, allowing for flexible learning.

Some formative assessments differ across the modes. Blended students submit assignments after workshops, while Flexible Online students receive AI-driven feedback on individual tasks and presentations. Both modes use the Automated Governance System (AGS) for tracking engagement and providing timely support when necessary.

The School’s commitment to high-quality education is reflected in its consistent delivery of academic content, support systems, and formative assessments, ensuring that all students, regardless of mode, receive the same standard of education and are equipped for success in their academic and professional careers.
Rule
Flexible Online Students

This section sets out  the key phases designed to support flexible online MSc students in achieving academic excellence through a structured strategy. Beginning with a personalised induction process and ongoing monitoring via an analytics dashboard, the strategy identifies early signs of disengagement and ensures timely interventions through automated alerts and formal procedures. A reflective end-of-semester review further encourages self-assessment and continuous improvement. In addition, strategic mechanisms gather insights from multiple feedback channels, enabling adjustments that sustain high levels of student achievement in a dynamic and evolving academic environment. This multi-track approach is aimed at maximising student potential and ensuring success:

Track Initiatives and Actions Purpose and Outcomes
1. Induction • Within the first two weeks, each student meets with a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT).
• A personalised study plan and compact are developed.
• The plan outlines short- and long-term academic goals, specifies weekly study commitments, details preferred learning methods, and identifies potential challenges and support needs.		 Establishes a clear roadmap for academic success. This phase sets expectations and equips students with effective time management strategies, while anticipating challenges through tailored guidance.
2. Ongoing Engagement Monitoring • An Engagement Analytics Dashboard on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) tracks weekly chapter completions.
• Module leaders, PATs, and the Student Success Team review these analytics regularly.		 Enables continuous monitoring of student progress. Early detection of disengagement permits prompt and targeted support, ensuring that difficulties are addressed before they impact academic outcomes.
3. Automated Alerts and Interventions • Automated alerts are triggered if a student fails to engage for four consecutive weeks without contact.
• A formal notification is sent, granting the student a two-week period to re-establish contact.
• If there is no response, the Exclusion Panel, in collaboration with the Student Success Team, initiates formal exclusion procedures, with an opportunity for appeal under exceptional circumstances.		 Provides a structured and fair approach to managing prolonged disengagement. This system ensures timely support while upholding academic standards and clear accountability.
4. Reflective End-of-Semester Review • Students provide a candid evaluation of their academic journey, detailing engagement levels, achievements, and areas requiring additional support. Encourages self-reflection and continuous improvement. This review helps students assess their progress and plan for future challenges, contributing to sustained academic success.
5. Oversight and Strategic Mechanisms • Insights are gathered from module leader reports, student engagement surveys, feedback from the Student Experience Committee, monitoring of assessment marks, and contributions from staff forums. These mechanisms ensure that the overall strategy remains dynamic and is continually refined. They enable timely adjustments to address emerging challenges and maintain high levels of student achievement.

These measures ensure that all students, regardless of study mode, receive a consistent, high-quality educational experience. They enable effective monitoring of student engagement and provide opportunities for feedback and support, helping students succeed across all programmes.

Procedures for Addressing Student Wellbeing

Title
Rule
Intervention Protocol for Student Wellbeing

When notified by the AGS system or a module leader, the Student Success Team must:

  • Investigate the reasons behind missed engagement points.
  • Attempt to contact the student through various communication methods.
  • Arrange a meeting with the student to support re-engagement and academic success.
  • Refer the case to the compliance team if initial efforts do not resolve the issue.

These steps ensure a thorough and supportive approach to addressing student engagement issues, aiming to help students re-engage with their studies and succeed. If initial support efforts fail, referring the case to the compliance team ensures further intervention and resolution.

Termination of Visa Sponsorship for Insufficient Engagement

Title
Rule
Visa Sponsorship Withdrawal Due to Lack of Engagement

Under the Exclusion Regulations, if a student fails to log sufficient engagement points over a period of 4 weeks (excluding formal vacation periods or authorised absences), they will be considered to have withdrawn from their course. In such cases, the School must withdraw the student’s visa sponsorship and notify the Home Office, which may lead to visa curtailment and potential immigration enforcement.

The Student Succes Team is responsible for informing the Home Office using the UKVI online system.

This rule ensures that the School complies with legal obligations regarding visa sponsorship. It also helps manage immigration consequences that may arise from a student's withdrawal due to insufficient engagement.

Presumed to have Withdrawn

Title
Rule
Exclusion Process for Non-Engagement

If a student does not log any engagement points or is absent for 4 consecutive teaching weeks without notifying the School, they will be considered to have withdrawn, and exclusion processes will begin under the Exclusion Regulations.

  • The School will issue a notice giving 2 weeks' notice of the potential exclusion.
  • If the student contacts the School within this period, the exclusion decision will be cancelled, and the student will receive support as outlined in the Student Resources, Support, and Wellbeing Policy.
  • If the student does not respond, the Student Success Team will ask the Executive Committee to process exclusion through the Exclusion Panel process.
  • The Refunds and Compensation Policy will apply.

This process ensures that students are given a fair opportunity to re-engage before exclusion and outlines the steps the School will take to support students or enforce exclusion if necessary. It also ensures compliance with the School’s policies on refunds and compensation.

Metrics and KPIs

The following metrics will be measured and regularly reviewed as key performance indicators for the School to ensure the effectiveness of this policy and associated operations.

Title
Attendance Rate in Modules
Percentage of students attending at least 80% of their module classes each semester.
High attendance rates are directly correlated with student engagement and academic success. Monitoring this KPI helps ensure students are actively participating in essential learning activities.
Student Interaction with Learning Platforms
Average number of logins and interactions with the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) per student per week.
Regular interaction with the VLE reflects ongoing engagement with course materials and resources, which is crucial for academic progress.
Student Retention Rate
Percentage of students continuing their studies from one academic year to the next.
High retention rates are indicative of student satisfaction and engagement with their academic experience, suggesting effective support and a positive learning environment.
Timeliness of Coursework Submissions
Percentage of coursework submitted on or before the deadline by students.
Timely submission of coursework indicates active participation and engagement with study materials, ensuring students are keeping up with their academic responsibilities.
Usage Rate of Academic Resources
Average number of times students access academic resources such as library materials or online databases per semester.
Frequent use of academic resources indicates active engagement with the learning materials and a commitment to academic success.