Be Focused, Be Determined, Be Unstoppable and Become a Graduate.

Good day I'm Conray Achilles This is my pitch in response to the "100% in" Super Stage Challenge My Super Idea: Introduction 60% of Students drop-out of South African universities. The drop-out rate has a ripple effect throughout the university and country. Students who drop-out create a financial problem for the university. It creates a negative reputation of the university and the universities in the country. Academic staff wasted valuable time and effort on student who drop-out. It affects the morale of the student who chose not to drop-out and disrupts theirs lectures due to re-scheduling and cancelation of classes and modules offered. The predominant reasons why student drop-out is due to academic performance, low student morale, poor stress and time management skills, motivation, uncertainty about programs and university expectations. Student Freedom and Responsibility Unit (SFB) • It's a new collaborative structure that comprises of two new interconnected programs. Namely, Student Orientation and Academic Responsibility Student Orientation: This is a compulsory program for first year and senior university students. It will be offered 1 week before the university registration period. • It will be held by respective Faculties and Academic departments and Student Freedom and Responsibility • The following will be discussed and offered: 1. Program and module expectations 2. Work quality expected 3. Basic Computer and English Literacy skills 4. Time management workshops 5. Goal setting workshops 6. Stress management workshops 7. Boost student morale workshops 8. Family support workshops 9. Motivation sessions 10. How to utilize resources and Other support structures Academic Responsibility: This is an walking-in service • It will be held by Student Freedom and Responsibility throughout the year. • The following will be offered: 1. Academic assistance 2. Program and Career advisory 3. Relation with Academic staff 4. Relation with other support structures 5. Effective tutors across all academic departments 6. Professional development and active learning 7. Educational technology 8. Effective student workshops 9. Daily motivation and inspiring stories My idea will aid students to overcome these adverse situations they face at university. It will boost their morale with strong academic support. This will allow personal and social growth, and strengthen their character. This will enable students to shape their future, and make what seemed impossible before, possible. The result will have a direct and positive effect on the retention rates at universities, with the increase of the number of graduates. South Africa will be able to expand its industrial base and sustain civil society. South Africa would also be more effective in the global economy. This Super Idea is a cost-effective design. A Student Freedom and Responsibility (SFB) committee will be setup involving many sectors of the university community. Student Freedom and Responsibility (SFB) will be fully involved in both programs. Student Orientation: the following is needed to make it happen • Faculty and Academic staff (Program, module and work quality expectations) • Skilled person to facilitate the workshops • Supporting staff (Library, Labs, academic institutions) • Training materials • Administrative material Academic Responsibility: the following is needed to make it happen • Academic staff • Effective tutor's from all academic departments and faculties • Information and Communication services • Training materials • Office space • Administrative material Be Focused, Be Determined, Be Unstoppable and Become a Graduate.