The Auburn University Student Senate met Monday evening, Jan. 14 and voted unanimously in favor of a proposal for an Early Alert Grade System.
The proposal reads as follows:
"In order to facilitate the adjustment of students to the rigors of Auburn University course work, faculty teaching core courses must record in Banner an early alert grade for all students enrolled in those classes one week prior to midterm. This process will permit students to seek tutoring or take other action before the midterm drop deadline."
The system will only exist for core curriculum courses and will target mainly first- and second-year students.
Melanie Smith serves as SGA vice president and is on the General Education and Core Curriculum Committee, which is a sub-committee of the Senate. Smith has been working closely on this proposal with Constance Relihan, senior associate dean of academic affairs.
Smith said Relihan asked her to get student feedback on the idea of implementing the Early Alert Grade System. The general consensus from students and the student senate was it was something they all wanted to see on campus.
"Then I was able to take that feedback to the General Education and Core Curriculum Committee as a voice for students that this was something that they want," Smith said.
Smith also said graduation and retention rates are things often talked about in the student government. They have noticed students dropping off during and after their first and second years as students.
"We have seen the problem of a lot of students not seeking academic help until it's too late," Smith said.
Smith said she believes the system will help advisers' relationships with students who aren't doing well in certain classes, as well as students who are struggling across the board.
"There may be something going on at home or with their health, and they need to seek more than just academic support," Smith said.
The recommendation that was read to the Senate Monday night stated that grade alert systems have been implemented in several Southeastern Conference schools already.
"I think it has been really successful at other universities, and it could be really successful at Auburn as well," Smith said.
Smith and Relihan went before the Faculty Senate Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 15 to present the resolution, which the faculty will vote on.
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