Abstract:

A high percentage of students drop out of the course Fashion Design and Technology at the Ga-Rankuwa Campus of the Tshwane University of Technology before completion. This contributes to the low graduation or success rate of the Department. Student retention is regarded as one of the most important criteria of effectiveness and efficiency of an institution of higher learning and any department can therefore not afford a low graduation rate. Higher Education graduates also contribute more to the economic growth and productivity of the country. Success in higher education provides students with greater opportunities in their lives. Employers, the economy and society as a whole also benefit when students complete their studies.

The literature study indicated that some of the challenges that students face are academic boredom, poor career choices, uncertainty about what course to study, poor academic language as well as a lack of previously acquired knowledge. An inability to cope with the transition from high school to tertiary level may also lead to students dropping out of the course because of the huge difference between course content and what they were taught in high school.

The findings of the empirical studies have shown the importance of firstly, marketing the course intensely and properly from within the department and not to depend on the marketing department of the institution. It has also shown that at an early stage of one’s learning process the importance of career guidance cannot be stressed enough. Offering career guidance at an elementary stage came out as one of the most critical aspects in the learning process as it prepares students and learners and guides them to make informed career choices.

The results further highlight that putting in place various selection criteria which is fair to all the stakeholders as of outmost importance in assisting students to gain entrance to the course. Students’ potential cognitive abilities should be assessed rather than their current abilities. In addition, providing new students with induction programmes which will in turn ease the transition from high school to tertiary level and enhance academic integration, and lastly, assisting students to secure study loans that cover all their needs during the study and to provide them with loan counseling.

Keywords:

Challenges, Affect, Success rate.