Estudio de Caracterización de los Factores de Deserción en la Facultad de Ingeniería Mecánica de la Universidad Santo Tomás Sede Principal

Abstract

The paper addresses the problem of student dropout at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Santo Tomás, a phenomenon that affects students, the institution and society at large. Dropout is influenced by multiple factors, including social, economic, academic and personal aspects. Student dropout refers to the abandonment of studies by students before completing an academic programme. In this document, data was collected using various tools such as surveys, interviews and background checks, with the aim of identifying in depth the factors that contribute to dropout. These factors are varied and multifactorial. Academic factors include difficulties in academic performance, lack of prior preparation and problems in adapting to university rigor. In addition, inadequate vocational guidance can lead to disconnection from the curriculum, often resulting in dropout. In the socio-economic sphere, financial constraints to cover the costs of tuition, materials, transportation and other expenses associated with education are a major cause of dropout. Students from low-income families are particularly vulnerable. In addition, personal and family factors play a crucial role. Health problems, family responsibilities, and other personal circumstances may interfere with a student's ability to stay in school. On the other hand, institutional factors also have a significant impact. Perceived lack of support from the educational institution, deficiencies in infrastructure and services, and an institutional culture that does not promote integration and proper support of students may contribute to drop-out. To reduce student dropout, it is crucial to implement integrated strategies that address its various factors. Among the most effective measures are financial support through accessible scholarships and funding programmes, and vocational guidance to help students choose careers aligned with their interests and skills. In addition, it is essential to provide academic accompaniment through mentoring and support programmes to improve performance and adaptation to the university environment. Psychological support through counseling services and student welfare programs is also vital to addressing personal and emotional problems. Finally, the continuous assessment and improvement of institutional infrastructure and resources are key to creating an educational environment conducive to student retention. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the factors of drop-out in greater depth through the collection of data and information, to carry out a proper analysis of the results obtained and to present a proposal to address the different factors of drop-out, being of great help to the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Santo Tomás.