Faculty are asked to report, about 1/4 through the semester, any first year students who are in 'academic difficulty.' That means any who have a grade of D or less in the class at that point. This includes any who have missed the exam and not provided a university-approved excuse for their absence. Students who are reported as being in "academic difficulty" are contacted by university officials and encouraged to take corrective action.

Karl –

In the past we have tried to use the criterion of D or F but many faculty have stated a preference for a more open ended interpretation (because even Bs can be problematic for some majors). One goal of this program is to provide an “early alert” to students (prior to the last day to drop) that encourages them to contact their respective faculty member to clarify the nature of their academic difficulties. My recommendation is that you use an average of D or less (your item 2 below) as this has the greatest impact for grade replacements and course drops.

Sincerely,

Al Smith, PhD

Director, First Year Center

East Carolina University

201 Whichard

252-328-4173 phone

252-328-6880 fax

From: Wuensch, Karl L
Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2008 9:47 AM
To: Smith, Al; Worthington, Elaine
Subject: Operationalization of "Academic Difficulty"

Please provide a criterion by which the faculty are to identify a freshman as being in academic difficulty. Is it:

Is failing the course
Has an average of D or less
Has an average of C or less
Something else
Something different for each faculty member, making the classification useless

Cheers,

Karl W.

From: Worthington, Elaine On Behalf Of Sheerer, Marilyn
Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2008 8:42 AM
To: ECU Official Faculty
Cc: Academic Chairs; Academic Deans
Subject: Academic Difficulty Reports for Spring Semester 2008
Importance: High

Office of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs

East Carolina University

113 Spilman Building Ÿ Greenville, NC 27858-4353

252-328-5419 office Ÿ 252-328-6005 fax

MEMORANDUM

TO: Faculty of Freshman Students

FROM: Dr. Marilyn Sheerer

Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs

DATE: February 7, 2008

SUBJECT: Academic Difficulty Reports for Spring Semester 2008

By Tuesday, February 12, rosters containing the names of all freshman students in your class(es) will be available at www.onestop.ecu.edu. Please identify those students who are in academic difficulty in your class(es) because of poor attendance, inadequate homework, or poor test scores. I ask that you continue your past excellence by responding to this request before February 20.

Students you identify as being at risk will receive academic difficulty reports (ADRs) through email and be provided possible strategies for improvement such as consulting with their advisors and their faculty and attending study skills workshops.

The ADRs will be distributed in time for students to consult with their advisors about the advisability of dropping a course. Because February 20 is the last day to drop a course, your identification of students in academic difficulty before that date is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your part in making this a successful retention effort.

cc: Academic Deans and Chairs