UCOL student success on the up and up

24 July 2013

UCOL student success on the up and up

The Tertiary Education Commission’s latest Tertiary Education Performance results show the number of students who successfully complete courses at UCOL is continuing to increase.

Figures released today show that UCOL’s overall course completion rate has gone up to 73% from 71% in 2011. Maori student course completions have increased from 57% to 65%.

UCOL’s Acting Chief Executive Clare Crawley says the positive trend reflects the institute’s strong focus on young people, Maori/Pasefika students, pathways and transitions, and developing industry connections.

“We are working with partners in the community more than ever before – talking with District Health Boards, Industry Training Organisations, local authorities, Primary Health Organisations, economic development agencies, Chambers of Commerce, local businesses, sports teams, the Defence Force, schools, and iwi.”

UCOL is also doing well in other areas measured by the Tertiary Education Commission. It ranks fifth amongst the country’s polytechnics for the percentage of students progressing to higher level study, and has seen an increase in students retained in study – from 55% in 2011 to 65% in 2012. Completion of qualifications is stable at 65%.

Ms Crawley says she is happy with the results and UCOL is committed to continuously improving.

“Every bit of work done by individual staff members on a daily basis contributes to student success, and while course completion is important, for some of our students, success is very much a personal journey. It can be about gaining confidence or skills to tackle something new, gaining employment, or developing enough study skills to come back and have another go. Our view is that all student progress represents success. UCOL exists to help people succeed in life, and specifically to help students build their experience, skills and confidence to get out there and succeed in their chosen area. This will always be our top priority and we understand the importance of being able to evolve to meet changing needs”.

“We have some exciting ventures on the go, such as strategic partnerships with Horowhenua Learning Centre, Taratahi and Ag Challenge, more qualifications at Levels 5 and above, and new Maori community trades training initiatives.”

ENDS

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