Student retention and success are critical priorities for universities today. In our recent webinar, Simon Rimmington, Foundation Lead at Keele University, shared how the university transformed its student engagement strategies, boosting retention rates from 74% to 85%. This remarkable improvement meant keeping 150 more students on track with their studies—a success powered by data-driven insights and early intervention strategies facilitated by StREAM, Keele’s student engagement analytics platform.
StREAM helps universities like Keele identify at-risk students early by providing real-time insights into their engagement patterns. With this knowledge, staff can offer timely, personalised support, addressing issues before they escalate. By centralising data and fostering collaboration between teams, StREAM empowers institutions to make informed decisions that improve both student outcomes and operational efficiency.
Following the webinar, attendees submitted insightful questions about using data and strategies to support students. Here are the answers:
What does StREAM predict, and how does it help students stay on track?
StREAM predicts when students are at risk of disengaging or underperforming by monitoring their engagement behaviours. It identifies when engagement drops and, using automated notifications, alerts staff or students to encourage early outreach. This proactive approach helps to trigger timely interventions to address issues before they impact students’ academic progress, helping them stay on track. Research has shown that there’s a clear correlation between engagement and attainment, as well as disengagement and non-continuation or academic failure.
Is StREAM used across the entire university or just specific groups?
StREAM is used across Keele’s entire undergraduate population. While’s research primarily focuses on Foundation Year students due to his role, the platform benefits all faculties by providing valuable data on student engagement across the university. The system enables institutions to take a holistic approach to student support.
Does StREAM support high-performing or anxious students as well?
Yes, StREAM helps support students across the engagement spectrum. For high-performing students, it celebrates success and encourages sustained engagement. The platform tracks a range of engagement behaviours, providing staff with the tools to offer positive reinforcement or support students who may be overworking or dealing with anxiety. Engagement data also allows students to compare their performance with their peers if they choose, although this feature can be hidden for students who may find it anxiety-inducing. Additionally, assessment information helps students assess whether their engagement behaviours are effective in achieving their academic goals.
How does Keele evaluate the success of its engagement strategies?
Evaluating the effectiveness of interventions at Keele is a dynamic and ongoing process. The university keeps a detailed weekly database of student engagement and interventions. By comparing year-on-year trends, they can see how their strategies have impacted student engagement over time. For example, they identified a significant drop in engagement during Week 6 of the previous academic year, which lacked normal taught sessions. As a result, they revised their approach for this year, maintaining timetabled sessions and structuring wrap-around activities to provide students with more stability. The university continues to monitor engagement levels in real-time and adjust interventions as needed, ensuring they are always responsive to student needs.
How do you ensure consistency in mentoring at-risk students?
To maintain consistency in supporting at-risk students, Keele University has implemented several strategies. Academic Mentors are assigned to students they see regularly, which helps them build strong relationships and understand individual student needs. The university also shares detailed engagement and performance data with mentors, enabling them to intervene early when necessary. Academic Mentors use communication templates tailored to different levels of student engagement, ensuring all students receive a consistent message. Additionally, Keele has a dedicated Foundation Year team that focuses on supporting at-risk students. This team actively reaches out to students identified through engagement data and ensures Academic Mentors are informed and involved in the process.
Whether you’re looking to improve retention, enhance student experiences, or implement a comprehensive engagement strategy, these insights offer practical solutions to help your institution thrive.
Ready to see how StREAM can transform student success at your institution? Book a demo today and discover its impact firsthand!
