Operational and demographic influences on monitoring student academic progress at an Australian university: A strategic, social and economic perspective

Abstract

This study examines demographic and operational influences on student attrition and participation in monitoring academic progress (MAP) at a large Australian university. Using data from five faculties, it evaluates the effects of gender, citizenship status, degree programme, postcode and state on academic monitoring outcomes. Findings show that citizenship and degree programme enrolment are the strongest predictors of MAP placement, with temporary residents and students in specialised programmes facing a higher risk. Geographic and faculty-level variation further indicate that attrition is unevenly distributed across the institution. By integrating demographic and operational dimensions within a single framework and interpreting results through social learning theory, systems theory and organisational learning, the study refines existing models of attrition. It concludes with recommendations for targeted, faculty-specific interventions to improve retention, equity and institutional resilience in higher education.