As part of Wichita State University’s efforts to increase student success, a new academic early alert system called GradesFirst is being piloted this summer. The idea behind early alert is to address as quickly as possible any issues a student may be encountering, so as to increase the chances that the student can save her or his semester.

Instructors of summer courses will receive an email this week that includes a secure link to a list of students in their classes who are part of the pilot. The instructor clicks up to three buttons for each student (missed classes, missed assignments, poor grades) and has an option to enter a narrative comment.

This puts a “flag” on the listed student; the flag is then received by an adviser assigned to the relevant student group. The adviser intervenes with the flagged student to determine what the issues are and to try to resolve them.

Marked increases possible

This summer, student athletes and Dean’s Scholars are the test group. In fall 2011, all freshmen will be included in the early alert program. After that, all undergraduates will be included.

“Other institutions where instructor participation in early alert systems has become widespread have seen marked increases in retention and graduation rates,” said Bill Vanderburgh, executive director of WSU’s Office for Faculty Development and Student Success. “WSU can expect to see similar benefits. The system is easy to use, and instructors can give meaningful feedback in just a few seconds per student.”

Vanderburgh said timely participation from all who are contacted for the pilot is key to getting it off the ground.

“If we each make an investment in student success, the whole campus will reap the rewards,” he said.

For more information, contact Vanderburgh at (316) 978-3379 or email him at william.vanderburgh@wichita.edu.