Overview
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The University of Essex implemented the StREAM student engagement analytics platform in 2017 to enhance student success through data analytics.
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Initially piloted in three departments, StREAM was expanded to all staff and students by 2018-19.
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The platform’s integration aligns with the university’s commitment to leveraging data for educational advancement.
The challenge
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Prior to StREAM, the university relied on attendance-based measures, which provided limited insight into student engagement.
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A more sophisticated approach was needed to accurately identify students at-risk and deliver timely interventions.
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The university sought to replace outdated methods with a data-informed system that could offer deeper insights into student behaviour.
We have seen a dramatic improvement in our rate of
retention since 2018 and are keen to continue exploring how StREAM can support our strategic vision to the benefit
of all students and staff.
University of Essex’s approach
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StREAM’s deployment was strategically aligned with the university’s Education Strategy 2019-2025, emphasizing data-driven student support.
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Staff engagement was incentivized through usage targets, with a focus on embedding StREAM into academic practices.
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Regular monitoring and departmental oversight ensured effective adoption and compliance with data protection regulations.
The impact
Student retention
StREAM is crucial in supporting the University of Essex to improve student retention. In 2018-19, 88% of students with very low engagement had withdrawn by the end of the academic year. In 2021-22, this had reduced to approximately 20%.
Targetted support
StREAM has helped the University of Essex to scale student support and provide tailored interventions to those who need it most. The platform provided critical aggregated data at the departmental level, helping to shape targeted student support initiatives.
A better picture of students
StREAM enabled the university to move beyond attendance as the sole indicator of engagement, allowing for the identification of at-risk students early on. Policy adjustments, particularly for January starters and early-stage students, were informed by insights from StREAM.
Student progression
By using StREAM the University of Essex were able to support students with very low engagement at week six of the Autumn term to reach their full potential. They have seen significant improvements in student progression rates.
