Recruitment and retention of students–an integrated and holistic vision of mathematics support

Students’ lack of preparedness for the mathematical demands of higher education affecting a wide range of programmes in universities worldwide. In the UK this been recognized at the highest levels and provoked several inquiries. ability to use mathematics in courses as varied as nursing, biosciences, business is an essential skill for success. Any factors that diminish students’ to perform competently will impact upon large groups. Consequences failure, loss of self-esteem and financial losses. Conversely, strategies improve performance lead to improvements in retention, progression and-effectiveness. article details the way a research-led university has faced the challenges brought mathematics support high up its strategic agenda, leading to university-wide support strategy. It describes the implementation of this and shares experiences gained for the benefit of policymakers and who are interested in enhancing their own institution-wide support.