The drop-out survey took place for the first time in 2007 under the direction of Prof. Dr. Felicitas Thiel (Arbeitsbereich Schulpädagogik/Schulentwicklungsforschung). A second drop-out survey was realized in 2014/2015 under the responsibility of the Unit for Teaching and Education Quality (Arbeitsstelle Lehr- und Studienqualität).

Here you can find the reports (in German only).

Who is being surveyed and when is the survey being conducted?

The drop-out survey has no fixed cycle; it is realized at the request of the departments or the Executive Board. All former students from bachelor’s, master’s and state examination programs who have dropped out or changed their (core) subject within a certain period of time are invited by letter to participate in the online survey.

What is covered by the questionnaire?

The questionnaire focuses on the expectations with which students began their studies at Freien Universität Berlin as well as their reasons for dropping out, changing their subject or the university.

With the aim of identifying measures for reducing dropout rates both before the start of studies (information and assessment) and in the course of studies (counseling and support), data is collected on the following aspects:

• Study prerequisites (motives for choosing the program, information about the program, educational paths)
•  Living conditions (Employment, family situation, personal stress factors)
•  Study behavior and study experiences
•  Reasons for dropping out

Furthermore, information on the current study or employment situation and the respondents’ further study intentions are collected.