There are signs that the colleges are beginning to get serious about attrition rates. A number of studies have been undertaken and more studies and initiatives are on the way.

In 1994 the HEA carried out a study which indicated a completion rate of 81 per cent for those students entering university in 1989-90.

The HEA has commissioned the Educational Research Centre, St Patrick's College, Drumcondra, Dublin, to undertake further study of the drop-out issue. A report can be expected by next summer "at the earliest," according to HEA's chief executive John Hayden. The reasons for students dropping out are as important as the figures and the HEA's primary concern is for the students, he stresses. The report "will give a context in which to judge the issue and decide on changes", Hayden says.

Research for the Points Commission shows that some 26 per cent of third-level students fail to complete their courses. The Points Commision has commissioned a more extensive study of the issue.

The ITs have set up an action/research project which will measure student attrition and develop appropriate programmes.

The council of directors of the ITs has established a group to provide solutions to attrition rates. The group is preparing a range of initiatives to enable individual institutes to address retention problems.

A pilot programme has been designed to monitor students who fail to complete certificate and diploma programmes in some institutes.

A study of guidance services in ITs has been carried out.

Data on students attending three ITs is currently being analysed by Anne Carpenter, head of student services at Carlow IT, and Dr Kathleen Lynch.

A new management information system is being developed for the IT sector. This is a major initiative and will eventually provide financial, operational, personnel and library data. Enhanced information on attrition will be available as a result. It's understood that installation of this system will begin within the next few months.