KU Leuven: 42 percent of new students achieve first milestone in first year
In the academic year 2021-2022, KU Leuven introduced a milestone for new bachelor students. With this, the university wanted to motivate students to pass all courses from the first bachelor as quickly as possible. They have two academic years to do this. The analysis of the success rates shows that 42 percent of the starting students (so-called generation students) already achieve this milestone in the first academic year. The increase in the grades in the first session is particularly remarkable.
The introduction of the milestone system at KU Leuven has a clear positive effect. After two sittings, the exam results return to the 2011-2012 level, with 42 percent of new students achieving the first milestone in the first academic year. Of these, 23.5 percent achieved the milestone in the first seat and 18.5 percent in the second seat.
“These results are very encouraging. The high grade for the first session also ensures that more students appear strong and fresh at the start of the new academic year. The new deliberation system – which is related to the first milestone – plays an important role in this: it prevents students from being too careful with tolerances for failing marks”, explains Vice Rector Education Policy Tine Baelmans.
Deliberation System
When the first milestone is achieved, a deliberation by the Examination Board is used instead of tolerance points that the student may use himself. Experience has shown that students often incorrectly save these points for later in their education. The deliberation by a committee avoids that. Small deficits (an 8/20 or 9/20) will be discussed for a maximum of 12 credits. A 7 is also condoned if one has passed all other subjects.
A view on the future
The university continues to evaluate and monitor the system. Certainly the effect after two years, because those who fail to achieve the first milestone may not re-enrol for that program the following academic year.
We will also continue to pay special attention to pioneer and scholarship students, and students with a migration background. The milestone does not impair their chances, but they continue to need intensive study career guidance.
Vice Rector Baelmans
In the meantime, the Flemish Government has also focused on a higher study yield and faster reorientation with a new education decree, following the model of the milestone system at KU Leuven. KU Leuven will integrate its own system into this new decree.
“The successful completion of all first-year courses on time strengthens students’ self-confidence and well-being, which is crucial for a successful continuation of the programme. That not only benefits the students, but also society as a whole”, concludes Baelmans.