Stay Connected – a systemic approach to reducing student drop-out at MANS

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We are pleased to announce that the International Academy of Applied Sciences in Łomża has received funding for the project entitled “Stay Connected – Systematic Prevention of Student Dropout at the International Academy of Applied Sciences”.

The project is financed by the European Union under the European Funds for Social Development, Priority FERS.01.00, Measure FERS.01.05. The call is organised by the National Centre for Research and Development.

Project number: FERS.01.05-IP.08-0033/25 Project implementation period: 01.02.2026 – 31.07.2029 Project value: PLN 4,731,492.54 Funding: PLN 4,589,547.76

The main objective of the project is to minimise student dropout at the International Academy of Applied Sciences in Łomża by implementing effective measures to reduce early withdrawal from education, based on an analysis of the actual reasons for leaving university. The project takes a systemic approach and addresses the needs of economic development and the green and digital transitions.

The project is intended for:

• MANS students in Civil Engineering, Internal Security, Logistics, Nursing and Agriculture,
• MANS employees, including teaching and administrative staff,
• and, indirectly, secondary school pupils who are prospective university students.

The project will support three student cohorts:

• 10.2025 – 09.2026
• 10.2026 – 09.2027
• 10.2027 – 09.2028

The institution’s assessment shows that student dropout is a significant challenge, particularly in selected degree programmes. The highest withdrawal rates were recorded in practical and technical programmes. The main risks concern the first year of study, difficulties adjusting to university life, problems combining study with work, and failure to pass examinations.

The project is expected to achieve the following outcomes:

• a more effective admissions process through the organisation of Open Days,
• a better match between applicants and the institution’s educational provision,
• better preparation of students for entering the labour market through development of the Academic Careers Office and cooperation with employers,
• a stronger practical dimension to education through study visits,
• improved accessibility and effectiveness of education through the development of hybrid and distance learning,
• implementation of systematic monitoring of student dropout,
• narrower educational gaps through remedial classes,
• improved student wellbeing through psychological support,
• greater student motivation and engagement,
• improved study conditions through development of the institution’s infrastructure.

The project will develop and implement:

• systemic solutions to reduce early withdrawal from education,
• new mechanisms for monitoring dropout risk,
• expanded forms of educational, psychological and mentoring support,
• modern infrastructure supporting distance and hybrid learning,
• a student zone improving students’ comfort and experience on campus.

The project also provides for the purchase of specialist teaching and technological solutions, including VR simulators and equipment for recording and streaming classes, which will increase the accessibility and flexibility of education.

Three editions of MANS Open Days will be organised. This activity will help applicants learn more about degree programmes, the academic environment and career development opportunities, reducing the risk of choosing an unsuitable programme and subsequently withdrawing. A total of 960 participants will receive support.

The project provides for expansion of the Academic Careers Office’s activities through workshops preparing students to enter the labour market, meetings and lectures with employers, and training for teaching and administrative staff. These activities are intended to strengthen student motivation and connect university study more closely with labour market realities.

Students will participate in study visits to employers associated with the supported degree programmes. This will introduce them to real working environments, industry requirements, career paths and practical applications of the knowledge acquired during their studies.

Flexible teaching methods, including distance and hybrid learning, will be developed. The institution will purchase specialist VR simulators and recording and streaming equipment, enabling modern and more accessible delivery of classes.

The project provides for implementation of a system to monitor the risk of withdrawal from studies, including analytical modules for students and applicants and a mobile application supporting communication with the institution. A specialist in educational analysis and dropout monitoring will also be engaged.

Students will receive support through remedial classes, pre-examination revision sessions and workshops developing learning, planning, time management and coping skills. These activities will help address gaps in knowledge and reduce the risk of failing examinations.

The project includes psychological support for students, particularly during periods of increased stress such as examinations. The aim is to improve mental wellbeing, motivation and the ability to cope with difficulties during their studies.

The project provides mentoring activities for students at risk of withdrawing from their studies. Mentoring will help build relationships, strengthen motivation, support educational decisions and enable students to cope more effectively with difficulties arising during their studies.

A dedicated student zone will be created with students’ comfort, integration and relaxation in mind. The activity includes designing the space, purchasing equipment, carrying out the necessary work and subsequently improving the zone based on student feedback.

Suspected non-compliance of the project or the beneficiary’s activities with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Journal of Laws of 2012, item 1169, as amended) may be reported to the Managing Authority (the minister responsible for regional development) or the Intermediate Body (the National Centre for Research and Development) by post or through the ePUAP electronic inbox.

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How can students avoid dropping out and choose a degree programme that will lead to a fulfilling career? These were the main questions explored by secondary school pupils during the Open Day at the International Academy of Applied Sciences in Łomża.

More than 300 pupils from across the region visited the institution at ul. Studencka 19, including groups from Ostrołęka, Suwałki, Janów Podlaski, Łyse and Lubiejewo. The event was organised as part of the “Stay Connected” project, whose overarching aim is to support young people in making informed educational choices.

The Rector of MANS in Łomża, Dr Ireneusz Żuchowski, emphasises that leaving university before completing a degree, known as dropout, is a serious social problem.

“This is a significant issue in Poland. In some degree programmes, as many as 20–25 per cent of students withdraw. Often the reason is neither finances nor lack of time, but a sudden change in their plans for their education. That is why it is so important for prospective students to choose responsibly. We want them to make informed decisions, avoiding disappointment and enabling a smooth transition from university to the labour market,” explains Dr Ireneusz Żuchowski.

During the Open Day, pupils had the opportunity not only to learn about MANS degree programmes but, above all, to explore the nature of selected professions. The programme featured numerous practical activities:

• Civil Engineering: Participants learned about the work of a structural designer and the use of modern technologies such as drones and 3D printing in construction. The talk was delivered by Edyta Burzyńska-Malinowska.
• Internal Security: Dr Bartosz Murat led forensic science workshops. Pupils could try fingerprint examination for themselves – a method of detecting and preserving fingerprint traces.

https://radionadzieja.pl/lomza-dzien-otwartych-drzwi-w-mans/page/22/?et_blog https://mylomza.pl/artykul/dzien-otwarty-w-mans-n1823881

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International Academy of Applied Sciences in Łomża ul. Studencka 19, 18-400 Łomża, Room 405

• By telephone tel. +48 86 216 94 97
• By email: rektorat@mans.edu.pl

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