Abstract
In South Africa the graduation rate could be improved at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). There
have been a number of First Year (FY) initiatives at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) to support first
year students. This paper will explore if there is a relationship between the adjustment to first year and to
the success rates of Hospitality Management (HM) students compared to those in the Faculty of Management
and in the UJ. The mixed method research was to establish if a smaller focused group of first year
students adjust to FY studies and university life quicker and better than their peers who are part of larger
classes. The challenge is to ensure the First Year Extended (FYE) programme does assist students to be
successful and improve their results, attitudes and coping mechanisms.