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:
– nformation 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

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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.