Racheal, what's the background of the student support specialists? Are they from the academic programs or general support?
Lise, how long have these policies been in place? Has there been a documented improvement in retention? How often are the policies reviewed and re-affirmed?
When we notice a student missing from class or if a student is having difficulties in getting to class on time, we meet with the student and ask how are things goind and is there anything that we can help with. We also use progress reports at midterm to let the student know how they are doing, what they can do to improve, and it also includes a survey for the student to complete to help them understand that they are also responsible for their education and that grades are not automatic and they have to take responsibility if they are not studying enough or if their job is getting in the way or what ever the reason is. We then speak with the student and see if we can't help them work through some of the issues that they are experienceing to keep them on track.
Students are placed on Academic Probation after being evaluated and discovering that they have a GPA under a 2.0 or are falling out of Rate of Progress (ROP). The students have 3 terms to bring their GPA up above a 2.0. They need to attend weekly advising sessions with their student support specialist. They will have to recieve A or B grades and complete and sign an advising plan. The instructors are also usually informed to help assist.
keeping in touch with students is important to them because they know that you are interested in their success
I believe this is best thing for our students
We evaluate student progress and have interventions and contracts for students who fall into monitoring or probation academically. We encourage student participation in routine student representative meetings, we encourage participation in Chicago Marathon for students supervised by instructors and graduates, we host job fairs, and other occasion to spark student interest and interaction.
Kim, who takes the lead in contacting the students about their academic and attendance progress? Faculty, support staff?
Kevin, how do you use the portal system? Is this for students to track grades and attendance? Is there also controlled access to a broader data base? Which portal system are you using?
We have had good luck with a portal system, but timely updates are key. I make an announcement on the first day of class that the portal will be updated on Friday of each week, and I will be happy to discuss the student's progress anytime the following week.
We track students DAILY. By attendance, academics, etc. We monitor their progress through the term very closely. With an informal check in midway through the term giving them a snapshot of their academic progress and attendance progress. We meet with students regularly on an informal basis to build trust and offer support and guidance when needed.
Victoria, I assume that the tutoring occurs outside of normally scheduled class time. Is the tutoring done in a group setting or individually? What happens if the student has a conflict with other commitments [work, family, etc]?
We have mid-term progress reports which help identify students who are struggling academically. Anyone who is below 70% is required to receive free tutoring. Others are encouraged to attend the bi-weekly group tutoring sessions that we provide. The student services department identifies struggling students through attendance reports and contact students to find out how we can support them. Our education director is also a certified counselor.
Lawrence, can the students use the intranet to make suggestions? This would be a much more natural method for them.
Academic Erosion. It is a combination of the old and new. The old part is we have a wooden suggestion box. The new part is the Dean responds to the suggestions on our student portal (intranet) which is accesses by all students.
Holly, what program are you using on the student portal? What information is available to them?
Kelly, are grades given daily? How do the students keep track of the grades?
Am I understanding that students who aren't making satisfactory progress receive counseling in the classroom in front of their peers. Stephanie?
Sounds like a positive, informal way to help students develop language skills, SUHEILY. Has it been popular with the students? Is there a cafe for English speaking students who want to improve their Spanish skills?
The progress report is a great idea - I will be implementing that at my campus. We do closely track our "at risk" students, and the instructors meet with them usually at the halfway point in the course to discuss any issues, but I really like the idea of the bi-weekly progress report available on the student portal!
