Refinement of the Student Success Reflection (SSR) Module: Enhancing Academic Resilience through Informed Interventions

Abstract

This paper examines the strategic refinement of the Student Success Reflection (SSR) Module, focusing on its impact on at-risk students in the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment, and Information Technology (EBIT) at the University of Pretoria (UP). Following a 2023 pilot, the module was refined in 2024 based on Root Cause Analysis (RCA), targeting foundational academic challenges faced by students at risk of academic exclusion. The SSR Module, with its mandatory participation, provides structured support to students struggling with foundational courses, particularly calculus. The study explores how this strategic intervention, through academic advising frameworks, addresses key themes related to academic resilience, such as time management, university workload adjustment, and escalating mental health challenges. The refined SSR Module contributes to improved student success by promoting a culture of support, offering practical resources, and encouraging student engagement with academic advising services.