Student success at college is not just achieving high grades The National Forum for Teaching and Learning defines student success as the process by which students fulfil their potential and flourish at college and in society. This is a broader activity than simply achieving high grades. Psychosocial competencies are core to the definition of student success: these are the ‘soft skills’ or ‘non-cognitive skills’ that enable students to cope well with learning challenges, engage deeply in learning, and develop their identities as learners and as active citizens. Transitions are a key issue within this priority area, with transitions such as the move from school to college presenting both challenges and opportunities for students.
Local Enhancement Projects [LEPs] for Student Success
About this initiative
These local enhancement projects are designed to enhance student success at IT Sligo. Student success is broadly conceptualised, but in this context projects will address one or more of the following: First Year Experience
• Development of communities of learning and institutional belonging amongst specific groups of students
• Positive integration of academic and other aspects of students’ lives (paid/voluntary work; sport and leisure activities; caring responsibilities; other interests etc.)
• Development of professional/vocational identities amongst student groups
• Development and support of growth mindsets amongst students
• Use of data to enhance student success
Projects may focus on curriculum development; methods to facilitate learning; development of new types of student support; supports for particular categories of student; participatory learning activities; student research Types of activities that will be supported
• Evaluable interventions
• Desk research and report
• Seminar/webinar series
• Presentation of papers to conferences in the field of learning and teaching and/or student success
• Collaborative activities with student organisations, clubs or societies
• Collaborative actions with other HEIs
Key features:
• Evaluable: indicators, baseline
• Student voice: must be part of project
• Collaborative: within institute/with external partners [academic/support collaborations particularly encouraged]
• Report: published on IT Sligo Student Success website
• Dissemination: seminar/webinar
• Impact: mainstreaming/sustainability




