Improving Retention with Technology Carmalita M Kemayo, MA NCC Undergraduate Academic Advising University of Illinois Springfield

UIS History Small, public, liberal arts 1970 - began as Sangamon State University, a senior college 1995 - joined University of Illinois system 2001 - admitted 1st freshmen honors cohort 2006 – admitted 1st full freshmen class, including honors and traditional students

Supporting Diverse Needs Broader range of student profiles demands expanded support resources Undergraduate Advising Center Advising strategies for at-risk students Early Warning System

Early Warning System 2006 Faculty surveyed on student performance Email notification to EWS Advisor Phone and email outreach One on One assessment meeting Intervention plan Follow up Student, progress with plan Faculty, subsequent classroom performance

Early Warning System Evolution 2006: Email & paper records report of counts 2007: Paper files converted to excel 2008: Excel files converted to database 2009: Integrated database report includes outcomes

Early Warning System Evolution cont’d 2010: Challenge remains to tie outcomes to referrals and interventions 2011: Implement and pilot Starfish® Key gatekeeping courses 2012: Expand Early Alert utilization All 100 & 200 level courses

UIS Retention Goals Freshmen fall to spring retention ≧ 92% Freshmen fall to fall retention ≧ 80% Sophomore 2nd to 3rd year retention ≧ 70% Increase persistence of marginal students # on probation after 1st semester < 10% Complete degree in 5 years ≧ 65%

Fall to Spring Retention* 90.9% 87.0% 90.3% 93.8% 89.5% 90.5% (N=243) (N=261) (N=309) (N=288) (N=294) (N=241) *UIS Office of Institutional Research

Fall to Fall Retention* 71.5% 65.5% 73.1% 76.0% 74.1% 71.4% (N=243) (N=261) (N=309) (N=288) (N=294) (N=241) Pass = C or better Text book changes in 09-10 for QR Math Lab *UIS Office of Institutional Research

Starfish® @ UIS Communication Tool Advising Tool Retention Tool Email Appointment scheduling Advising Tool Course and progress monitor Documentation and reports Retention Tool Early Alert Support network Collaboration Tool Campus Resources & Support Units Synergistic Strategies

UIS Success Strategies Exemplify academic excellence Enrich individual lives Make a difference in the world Increase enrollment and retention Lead technology-enhanced education Respond proactively to external expectations and performance-based funding initiatives

The Advising Center University of Illinois Springfield One University Plaza, BRK 472 Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 206-7471 uisuaac@uis.edu www.uis.edu/advising