In recent times, declining attendance rates have emerged as a pressing concern across higher education institutions globally. According to Jack Grove, a reporter from Times Higher Education, post-COVID attendance dips have been exacerbated by financial strains, compelling many students to prioritize work over classes.
The Guardian’s exploration of UK student perspectives revealed a trend: students are increasingly opting out of physical classes, preferring remote alternatives like recordings and online resources. Financial barriers, driven by rising living costs, often force students to juggle academic commitments with paid employment.
Educators have observed a shifting ethos post-Covid, where remote learning has diluted the perceived importance of physical attendance. Additionally, escalating tuition fees have led students to view their education as a financial transaction rather than an immersive academic journey.
Moreover, demographic changes, including an increase in mature learners with diverse responsibilities, further complicate attendance patterns at universities.
Strategies to address declining attendance
In response to these challenges, institutions can adopt proactive strategies to reinforce the value of on-campus learning:
- Utilize Technology for Engagement: Leverage technological advancements to personalize student experiences, organize schedules, and enhance engagement, bridging the gap between remote and physical learning.
- Foster Peer Connections: Encourage students to engage with campus life through clubs, skill-building workshops, and enrichment activities, promoting a sense of community.
- Targeted Support Services: Employ data-driven insights to identify and support struggling students. Interventions could include reducing costs through library resources or tailored academic support.
- Streamline Student Life: Improve communication of campus resources and services to alleviate student stress. This includes access to academic support, mental health services, and financial aid information.
The role of campus mobile apps
Can campus mobile apps enhance attendance rates? Absolutely. By utilizing Attendance capture features, institutions can manage classroom logistics efficiently and support administrative tasks like visa extensions and financial aid processing. These apps also enable personalized engagement through notifications and integrated service access, enhancing student satisfaction and retention.
Discover campusM: Enhancing student engagement
Ex Libris offers the campusM app, a mobile app designed to transform the student experience. With intuitive design and comprehensive features, including Attendance capture and personalized notifications, campusM promotes student engagement and academic success.
Learn more about how campusM can elevate attendance and retention at your institution.
