Canadian Colleges and Universities Fight Christmas Drop-outs

Overall, Ontario’s retention rates are between 80% and 90% for the majority of schools.

Canada’s university and college students have the Christmas break in their sites. They’re a speeding train, using it as a light at the end of their tunnels. Sadly, this is also the time of year where many of them get derailed.

The Christmas drop-out phenomenon is very real and happens because many students reach their breaking point this time of year.

Maybe they’re underperforming academically. Maybe they haven’t made as many friends as they hoped. In any case, many simply say “This isn’t for me,” or “this isn’t working.”

One expert’s research shows that roughly 40 per cent of university drop-outs call it quits because they’re not performing as well as they expected.

“Once people do badly, they don’t want to be in school anymore,” said the University of Western Ontario’s professor, Todd Stinebrickner.

“When people do badly… school is not very enjoyable, maybe it’s more stressful.”

Overall, Ontario’s retention rates are between 80% and 90% for the majority of schools. That’s a good percentage; however most schools want to do better.

Most universities and colleges offer some sort of service to retain students who are teetering on dropping out. Whether it’s academic counselling, help with time management, or simple encouragement, the help is there for those who seek it out.

So if you’re struggling and feel overwhelmed, find out what services are available to help, before you drop out.