Student attrition is recognised as a
problem in higher education in Ireland. In this context, the University of
Limerick (UL) funded a ‘virtual’ Student Engagement and Success Unit in 2015
comprising of an Educational Developer in the Centre for Teaching &
Learning, a Librarian and a Retention Officer in the Student Affairs Division. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate how a
‘virtual’ unit works collaboratively to support student engagement &
success. This will be evidenced by sharing work to date by the Unit. Specific
initiatives have been informed and directed by the ‘What Works’ project, with the aim of embedding a ‘sense of
belonging’ and inclusion of the student voice.