This report details the findings from a research project funded by the National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education that explores data tracking student cohorts through the higher education system – from commencement to completion. Characteristics are linked to likelihood of completion in order to target retention policies for ‘at-risk’ groups.

The work that universities do to widen the participation of people from equity backgrounds involves activities in the pre-tertiary domain with both school-age and adult people – to encourage interest in tertiary study and offer practical assistance with access; and activities with enrolled tertiary students – to encourage a sense of belonging and improve success...