Improving Academic Efficiency: University Management and Drop-out Reduction
The project is implemented within the European Funds for Social Development Program 2021‑2027, co‑financed from the European Social Fund Plus.
The project will run from 1 September 2025 to 28 February 2029.
Project objective:
The main objective of the project titled “Improving Academic Efficiency: University Management and Drop-out Reduction” is to implement a comprehensive support program whose primary aim is to minimize early study termination (drop‑out) at VIZJA University.
This objective will be achieved by 28 February 2029
Target group:
The direct target group is VIZJA University, with its registered office at ul. Okopowa 59, Warsaw.
The indirect target group, as a result of the project’s implementation, will comprise first‑year undergraduate, master’s and integrated master’s students enrolled in the following faculties:
– information technology,
– business,
– human sciences,
where the highest dropout has been diagnosed, particularly among students enrolled in programs such as computer science, management, and psychology.
Main project tasks:
1) Task 1 – Creation of a dedicated unit within the Student Affairs Office for monitoring and preventing dropout at the University, through the establishment of campus structures aimed at minimizing and preventing dropout.
2) Task 2 – Drop‑out Data Monitoring System (DDMS) .
Implementation of an innovative system to obtain as complete a picture as possible, along with individual factor sets that may influence the dropout phenomenon, by collecting and integrating student data from various university systems. The data will be analyzed using AI algorithms to identify risk factors for withdrawal and generate alerts. The university will receive reports supporting preventive actions such as consultations and psychological assistance. DDMS will incorporate an on‑platform chatbot that offers real‑time help and guidance. The system will ensure equality and non‑discrimination at every stage.
3) Task 3 – Development of Introductory Materials and Support for Students in Difficult Courses via a Chat‑bot. The task involves identifying courses that exert the greatest influence on study withdrawal (low pass rates, high resit rates). In collaboration with teaching staff, a catalogue of materials based on open educational resources (OER) will be created to facilitate mastery of key competencies. Goal: reducing drop-outs caused by learning difficulties and improving academic outcomes. The materials will also be available to persons with disabilities, complete with the necessary accommodations.
4) Task 4 – Coaching and Psychological Support for Students Facing Academic Difficulties. This task encompasses individual therapeutic and coaching sessions conducted in Polish and English. Cognitive‑behavioral therapies and coaching meetings are offered to help students set goals, manage stress, and maintain motivation. Support groups are also organized to foster interpersonal skill development and strengthen a sense of belonging within the academic community. Support services are delivered both online and on campus, with accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The task is carried out in accordance with principles of equal opportunity and non‑discrimination.
Its objectives are to enhance students’ feeling of belonging to the academic community and to provide assistance to those experiencing challenging personal, academic, or psychological circumstances. The program aims not only to reduce dropout rates but also to create an environment conducive to educational success and integration with the institution. These activities will be realized through the establishment of institutional structures and support for drop‑out monitoring systems, enabling the University to effectively prevent withdrawals.
Main project outcome:
The principal result of the project is the alignment of higher education delivery with the needs of economic development and the green and digital transformation of higher education institutions.
Total qualified expenditure: PLN 4905366.40
European funding contribution: PLN 4047908.35
Additional information:
We hereby inform you that it is possible to report suspicions of non‑compliance between the Project or the Beneficiary’s activities and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (the “CRPD”), adopted in New York on 13 December 2006 (Journal of Laws 2012, item 1169, as subsequently amended), to either the Managing Authority (Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy of Poland) or the Intermediary Institution (National Centre for Research and Development). Signals, reports, or complaints concerning potential violations of the CRPD by FERS projects may be submitted by individuals (project participants or their representatives), participating institutions in EU fund implementation, or civil‑society organizations (associations, foundations). Submissions should be made via (in each case listed below, the notification is deemed to have been submitted in written form):
1) traditional mail – in a letter addressed tothe Ministry: Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy of Poland, ul. Wspólna 2/4, 00-926 Warsaw; or in a letter addressed to the Intermediary Institution: National Centre for Research and Development, ul. 69, 00-801 Warsaw;
2) the ePUAP submission box of the Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy of Poland or the National Centre for Research and Development.
Adherence to equality principles occurs at all stages of project implementation, particularly with regard to project participants. We inform you of the possibility to review materials on compliance with horizontal principles, including, among others, gender equality and equal opportunity rules that apply to projects co‑financed under the EU financial perspective for 2021–2027. These resources are available on the website Compliance with Equality Principles – Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy.
Architectural Accessibility:
The project support site and the Project Office are located on the campus of VIZJA University at ul. Okopowa 59 in Warsaw. The building has no architectural barriers that negatively affect project implementation and includes numerous adaptations for persons with disabilities. Key accessibility features include:
1. Accessible entrance – appropriately wide front doors, level surface transitions, a doorbell before the entrance, and assistance available from reception staff.
2. Accessible elevators – wide, spacious, equipped with Braille buttons, audio announcements, and capable of bringing wheelchair users, cane users, visually or hearing‑impaired individuals, and others with health challenges to every floor.
3. Barrier‑free interior space – corridors, stairwells, exercise rooms, lecture halls, the library, the cafeteria, and administrative offices are free from horizontal and vertical obstacles. Persons using wheelchairs, canes, walkers, or other orthopedic aids, seniors, and parents with strollers can move around without difficulty.
4. The University allows entry for individuals accompanied by a guide dog.
5. Accessible parking – underground parking (levels –1 and –2) provides spaces for people with disabilities that are clearly marked, free of barriers, and allow direct access to any floor of the building.
6. The building is well connected via Warsaw Public Transport. The nearest bus and tram stop to the entrance is the “Niska” stop. Both stops support low‑floor access. On the route from the stops to the building entrance there are no architectural obstacles such as stairs, bridges, or high curbs. Along the sidewalk adjacent to the university’s premises, guide lines for visually impaired or partially sighted people enable safe travel from VIZJA University to the nearest city transport stop. Information on public transport accessibility for people with disabilities can be found on the “Barrier‑Free Communication” website operated by Warsaw Public Transport.
Detailed and continuously updated information about architectural accessibility is available on the VIZJA University Office for Persons with Disabilities website. The Office for Persons with Disabilities coordinates activities across all areas of accessibility at VIZJA University (office address and contact information: Okopowa 59, 01‑043 Warsaw; 2nd floor; Room 233; email: bon@vizja.pl; phone: 22 536 54 12). VIZJA University also implements the project titled “Vizja Home – A University for Everyone” (from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2028). The project enhances accessibility at the university for persons with special needs, including those with disabilities. More information about this project can be found on its website.
Additional information about the project can be obtained from the Project Office:
The Project Office is located in the European Projects Department (6th floor, room 614 on the VIZJA University campus at ul. Okopowa 59, Warsaw). According to the architectural accessibility statement, the office has no barriers that negatively affect project implementation. Communication channels with project staff:
1. Direct contact: staff are available for direct contact Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
2. Telephone: +48 22 536 54 53.
3. E-mail: projektyeuropejskie@vizja.pl
If you have special needs related to using project support services, accessing information about the project, communicating with project staff, or any other specific requirements for its implementation, please report those needs to the Project Office. You may contact the office through an authorized representative.
Project documentation is prepared in accordance with the guidelines for electronic documents set out in the document titled “Appendix No. 2: Accessibility Standards for the 2021‑2027 Cohesion Policy.” If you encounter difficulties reading, understanding, or otherwise need assistance with the content of the documentation, please report those needs to the Project Office.
Brief project description – easy‑to‑read text
What is the project?
1. The “Increasing Academic Efficiency: Managing the University in the Context of Drop‑out Minimization” project is a set of actions aimed at achieving a specific goal.
2. Drop‑out refers to the phenomenon of students withdrawing from their studies before completing them.
3. The project is carried out by VIZJA University, which offers higher education and conducts scientific research.
4. Its purpose is to introduce a support program that will reduce the drop‑out rate at VIZJA University.
5. The project receives financial backing from the European Union.
Who does the project aim to help?
1. The project is intended to assist VIZJA University as an educational institution.
2. It also indirectly helps VIZJA University students.
What actions will be carried out under the project?
1. Project activities are grouped into four tasks:
– Designating a space in the Student Services Office for monitoring and preventing drop‑out.
– Implementing a Drop‑out Data Monitoring System.
– Developing orientation materials and supporting students struggling with difficult subjects via a chatbot.
– Providing coaching and psychological support to students facing challenging academic situations.
2. The total cost of the activities is PLN 4 905 366,40 (almost five million zloty), of which the European Union co‑financing amount is PLN 4 047 908,35 (over four million zloty).
What will be the main outcomes of the project?
1. Education at VIZJA University will be better aligned with the needs of economic development and the green and digital transformation of higher education institutions.