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Proactive Student Outreach and Support
Empire State University
Proactive Online Student Support Practice
Institutional Challenge and Systemic Need:
Online education presents complex challenges in student monitoring and support. Traditional educational models often fail to detect academic disengagement until students have already fallen significantly behind. The Proactive Student Outreach and Support System is a strategic response to these persistent challenges, creating a dynamic framework for comprehensive student success.
Comprehensive Support:
PSOSS operates through an integrated system that combines technological monitoring with active outreach to struggling students. Learning management system metrics, assignment completion patterns, discussion board participation, assessment performance, and student interaction frequencies are analyzed to identify struggling students to reach out to.
Intervention Methodology:
When potential academic challenges are detected, PSOSS begins with personalized, empathetic communication designed to re-engage students and provide immediate support. Communication channels include targeted emails, text messages, scheduled video consultations, and direct faculty outreach. The intervention strategy is not punitive but supportive, focusing on understanding individual student challenges and providing tailored resources. Support options range from self-help materials and peer study groups to one-on-one academic counseling and specialized tutoring services.
Outcomes and Impact:
Implementing PSOSS produces improvements in online student success. Increases in student retention and improvements in overall academic performance are the primary outcomes. So are increases in students engagement and faster identification of at-risk students.
Future Development Potential:
Future iterations of PSOSS may incorporate more advanced predictive modeling, enhanced mental health support integration, and expanded personalization capabilities. The system embodies an evolving approach to online student support, with potential for technological adaptations and LMS integration.