Georgia Southwestern State University

Improving campus culture and better student integration- Using Campus Labs technology in order to implement Collegiate Link.  Collegiate Link is a type of social media software that fosters multiple and deeper integration into campus social networks sponsored and supported by Student Affairs.  Our branded version is called Canes Connect, and is used to strengthen social integration primarily outside of the classroom.

Adoption and implementation of 15 to Finish.  Beginning in Fall 2013, we  increased the number of credit hours in the first-time freshmen learning communities from 12-14 hours to 14-16 hours and advisors have been trained to encourage students to continue taking 15+ credits each semester.

Redefinition of Academic Good Standing and issuing of DWF Reports twice a semester. To identify and intervene with at-risk students earlier, we changed Academic Good Standing from a graduated scale to a 2.0 for all students and implemented an advising hold for all students with GPAs below 2.0.

Peer Mentors- Creation and Implementation of Project Storm Spotters.  The Storm Spotters Team (SST) consists of  peer mentors who serve as co-instructors for UNIV 1000, Orientation to College Success.  SST’s connect first-year students to campus activities and to academic support services in order to improve engagement and academic success.

Using Campus Labs technology in order to implement Beacon.  Beacon is a type of early warning software to address academic integration. We are also employing Strategy 4.3 (use Degree Works to track student progress).