Connection to success : an early academic monitoring system for the Ball State University CONNECT Program

The purpose of this creative project was to increase the number of students who successfully transfer to Ball State University via the CONNECT Program and to subsequently increase the retention rates of these students by modifying specific requirements of the program. This project was based upon the understanding that CONNECT students face several obstacles to their success in higher education, largely due to their poor high school academic performance.The goal of this project was to create an early academic monitoring system that will aid in the success of CONNECT Program students in subjects that generally cause difficulty: English, Math, Science, and Foreign Language. Before transfer, CONNECT students entering Ball State in the fall semester would be informed of the early academic monitoring system and would be further notified of its terms during a mandatory Transfer Student Orientation. The early academic monitoring system would act as an early intervention program for these "at-risk" students, as well as a first-year transitioning program, as transfer students will be counseled about their participation, the value of the program, and its duration prior to the start of classes.The methodology of this project calls for the Offices of Admissions, Orientation and Academic Advising and faculty volunteers to closely work together to ensure student success. Ultimately, the combined efforts of these associates should increase CONNECT students retention for their first-year and beyond.