f) Student success and drop out rate Prof L van Staden, Administrator, led the presentation which highlighted the following key issues: . The success rate of the university was 68% in 2010 and among the lowest in South Africa. The national benchmark success rate was 80% and the university targeted a 73% success rate in 2013. The throughput rate was 14% as compared to the national benchmark of 25%. Academic performance in terms of teaching output was poor. . The university had a foundation learning and development programme that provided opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to access higher education. . The inadequate student pass rate of the university was affected by various factors such as under-preparedness, poor financial backgrounds and other social challenges.