A Colloquium 'Staying Power - Increasing Retention Rates in Higher Education' was organised by NCGE on behalf of the Higher Education Section of the Department of Education & Science in November 1999. The aim of the Colloquium was to identify key issues, particularly in the field of guidance, in improving retention rates in higher education. The Colloquium brought together key personnel from the following:

• Post primary schools
• Higher education institutes
• Parent association representatives
• Trade unions
• Management bodies
• Institute of Guidance Counsellors
• Department of Education & Science
• Students unions

The Colloquium established a number of reasons for non-completion in higher education:

• Lack Of Guidance At Second Level
• Lack Of Support Services In Higher Education
• Poor Course Choice
• Change Of Career/Course
• Financial Difficulties
• Pressure From Peers And/Or Parents
• Examination Failure
• Personal Stress Of The Transition From Post Primary To Higher Education
• Culture Shock And Isolation

A number of key recommendations were identified in relation to post primary schools and third level colleges. These concerned guidance support, academic support in higher education, course transfers, financial support, peer support, prospectuses and other information sources, parents, facilities and personal issues.

Copies of the full proceedings of the Colloquium can be downloaded here.