1 March 2001 Edition
Students need more support to lower drop-out rate
BY CONOR HONAN
The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) is calling for an increase in the provision of career guidance in second-level schools as well as increases in student grants and financial support at third level. This is needed to alleviate the problem of drop-out in Irish universities. The student body was reacting to a distressing report by the Higher Education Authority that found that 17 percent of Irish university students fail to complete their courses.
Julian de Spáinn, president of USI, said that while the level of non-completion in universities is lower than in institutes of technology, it is still a matter of great concern. ``The amount of talent, resources and energy being lost through non-completion is a national scandal,'' he said.
Why are there so many drop- outs in university? The research in this area shows that there are two main reasons for this attrition - financial difficulties and unhappiness with course choice. A report by Professor Pat Clancy on those who reject CAO offers found that 12 percent of those who turned down a place did so for financial reasons. The grant system, which offers a maximum grant of £49 per week in the 26 Counties, is insufficient to provide support for students.
``The disgraceful situation at present in relation to guidance counselling provision at second level is a prime example of non-completion,'' said Colm Jordan, USI Education Officer. ``Even though Fianna Fáil promised in its most recent election manifesto to restore the ratio of one guidance counsellor to every 250 students that existed in 1983, it has failed to honour this commitment and the current ratio is 1:500.''
It seems the only guidance the government is giving students is not to become a teacher.
The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) is calling for an increase in the provision of career guidance in second-level schools as well as increases in student grants and financial support at third level. This is needed to alleviate the problem of drop-out in Irish universities. The student body was reacting to a distressing report by the Higher Education Authority that found that 17 percent of Irish university students fail to complete their courses.
Julian de Spáinn, president of USI, said that while the level of non-completion in universities is lower than in institutes of technology, it is still a matter of great concern. ``The amount of talent, resources and energy being lost through non-completion is a national scandal,'' he said.
Why are there so many drop- outs in university? The research in this area shows that there are two main reasons for this attrition - financial difficulties and unhappiness with course choice. A report by Professor Pat Clancy on those who reject CAO offers found that 12 percent of those who turned down a place did so for financial reasons. The grant system, which offers a maximum grant of £49 per week in the 26 Counties, is insufficient to provide support for students.
``The disgraceful situation at present in relation to guidance counselling provision at second level is a prime example of non-completion,'' said Colm Jordan, USI Education Officer. ``Even though Fianna Fáil promised in its most recent election manifesto to restore the ratio of one guidance counsellor to every 250 students that existed in 1983, it has failed to honour this commitment and the current ratio is 1:500.''
It seems the only guidance the government is giving students is not to become a teacher.