CITSSERI Academic Advisory Service

Tender description

As a result of CITSSERI work since 2012 it has been very clear that to have a really significant impact on student retention we need to develop a proactive, early intervention to catch the wavering/passive failing student. We need to catch students before their options (e.g transfer to a more suitable course) run out or before their disengagement from study is gone so far as to significantly impede their ability to get back on track (e.g. assessments missed, confidence low, bad habits too hard to shake, denial etc). Students often find transitioning into higher education challenging. Sometimes they lack information; lose focus and motivation; find it hard to settle into college life and finding a balance can be difficult; Often new students cannot connect with or find the resources they need or are unaware of resources that will help them make progress. We are developing collaborative projects with academic departments to track students and identify ‘at risk’ students, develop a process of connecting with these students and offer them academic advice/referral to other student support services as appropriate.. The role of the academic advisor in CIT is to work collaboratively with academic departments to support the transition, progression and retention of students and to ensure students have a positive experience whilst studying in CIT. Tenderers should provide the services detailed below as part of their submissions. The successful tenderer(s) will form part of the existing CITSSERI team and will be responsible for the following broad remit: 1. In line with CIT values and ethos, the successful applicant will be required to provide guidance, support and information to CIT students who are at risk of academic failure/leaving their course and CIT. 2. Identify ‘at risk’ students with academic departments and make proactive contact. 3. Arrange to meet students for a 1-1 meeting (as appropriate) to help them stay on track. 4. Work with academic dep