One in four incoming students leave Humber within the first year of their program. To prevent attrition, it is critical that we understand the factors that place students at risk and implement timely interventions to support retention. To this end, each year, the College administers the Humber Student Success Survey (HSSS) to all students in full-time programs. 

Through analyses of these data, Humber has learned that higher levels of attrition are statistically associated with a number of social, demographic, attitudinal and behavioral factors. For example, students at greater risk of attrition include those who are unsure if they are in the right program or if they will be able to complete their program, and those who spend little time on assignments or normally do not attend classes. Risk of attrition is also related to sources of financial support (e.g., a reliance on bursaries), and whether students identify as a specific ethnicity, as a person with a disability or as first generation. A student with several of these characteristics or factors is at a higher risk.

Check out the analysis in this new one page brief. For more information, please contact Silvana Miller.

This publication is the latest in IPA’s Insights series which supports institutional data literacy and the establishment of a common understanding about important institutional issues and topics related to Humber’s strategic priorities.