Volume 8 Issue 2

This issue is our third Students, Transitions, Achievement, Retention and Success (STARS) Conference special issue held in July this year in Adelaide, Australia. As is customary, this issue of the journal publishes the top research papers selected via a peer review process and the top Emerging Initiatives selected by the Conference Committee. We are delighted to feature in this special issue —Reflections on Student Persistence—prepared by Advisory Board member Professor Vincent Tinto, Distinguished University Professor Emeritus at Syracuse University, USA. Vincent is a long-time friend and supporter of STARS and its predecessor FYHE Conferences and Journal. In his article, Vincent explores the case for motivation to be considered as a significant aspect of the tertiary student psyche by drawing on theoretical frameworks, research and practical experiences related to the issue.