Academic literature on the topic 'Success at university'

The article is devoted to the 90th anniversary of the Volgograd State Technical University (VSTU). The author views the components of the success formula of the University as a flagship University of the Volgograd region, and dwells on the historical facts of the creation of the Stalingrad tractor-building Institute at the beginning of the country’s industrialization and its development to a flagship University, which is a modern multi-campus University with a promising educational, scientific and industrial infrastructure. The article also presents the scientific schools of well-known scientists of the University that carry out fundamental and applied scientific research as well as the international activities of the University, including international cooperation in research, creation and modernization of educational programs, and export of educational services. In its multi-faceted activities, the flagship University focuses on solving urgent problems of socio-economic development of the region. The hybrid model of the flagship University is focused mainly on two typical models: «multi-disciplinary regional University» and «technology leader in the region». The article considers a number of systemic and structural transformations of the University in the framework of a hybrid model: an effective management system for supporting innovation, including socio-psychological attitudes and infrastructure changes; the development of additional education and the creation of conditions for business development.

In the fast-changing world, the success of engineering education depends not only on sound engineering knowledge, but also on the ability to apply it in practice from the moment young graduates enter the real industry. In order to be successful in industry, learners need interaction within the real industrial environment from the beginning of their studies. The importance of close links between engineering educational programmes and industry is shown in the example of industry–university collaboration between the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) and General Motors South Africa (GMSA). The local automotive industry and GMSA, in particular, have been supporting the engineering programmes at NMMU for decades. However, with the establishment of a bachelor degree programme in mechatronics in 2005, GMSA decided to play an even more prominent role, as this was the first such degree programme in the Eastern Cape. This initiative has resulted in the establishment of the Chair of Mechatronics, fully sponsored by GMSA. Over the years, this industry–university partnership became an important platform providing a vital link between theory and practice in engineering education. The results of this partnership can be seen in an increased number of graduate and post-graduate students’ projects being based on real industrial cases provided by GMSA, reflecting the latest developments and trends in engineering. Working with engineers in solving industrial problems enables students to gain valuable experience in dealing with colleagues, managers and workers. Exposure to the latest technologies strengthens the theory and better prepares graduates for their future careers in industry and commerce. The partnership is also important for GMSA, as it increases its competitiveness and facilitates the company’s significant contribution to human capital development, which is very important for the growth of the South African economy and the community at large. Keywords: Industry collaboration, human capital development, educational chair, training.

Project Success is designed to help students on academic probation improve their performance so that they can return to good academic standing at their university. This article describes the program so institutions can consider its use in their efforts to address retention issues on their campus. Research that studies the program's effectiveness is included.