Section 7
Supporting your Advisee
Early Alert System: Retention Alert
Retention Alert is our academic alert system. Instructors are encouraged to submit retention alerts for any students in their class who may be struggling academically due to lack of attendance, low assessment scores, missing work, and other indications of need for outreach and support.
These alerts help faculty advisors and Success Coaches intervene to support students
Retention Alert FAQs
How do I submit a Retention Alert for a student on my roster?
How-To Submit A Retention Alert - Video
How-To Submit A Retention Alert - PDF
What happens when an instructor submits a retention alert?
The student’s assigned advisor and their Success Coach will be notified (if they have opted in to receive alerts). After receiving a retention alert, the assigned Success Coach will contact the student to learn more about their situation and help the student make a plan. Faculty advisors are also encouraged to reach out to their advisee to support the retention alert case
As an Advisor how can I opt in to receive alerts?
The default setting is for Advisors not to receive email alerts when a new retention alert case is submitted. To turn on notifications please go into the Retention Alert Module, under the cases tab toggle on the “Email me if I have a case reminder due” button.
As an Advisor, what should I do when I receive a retention alert?
We recommend that you reach out to your advisee to offer support and make yourself available to meet with the student. You will have the ability to respond to a retention alert case directly in the Retention Alert module. Sharing updates with the student’s Coach can help them know when to close a case.
How can I close a retention alert?
How-To Close A Retention Alert - PDF
What should I do if I am having technical difficulties submitting a retention alert?
Connect the Retention Alert Administrator, Birgit Flynn, bvf1@stmarys-ca.edu
Academic Resources & Student Disability Services
Center for Writing Across the Curriculum (CWAC)
The Center for Writing Across the Curriculum (CWAC) serves students, faculty, and staff of all disciplines. CWAC offers one on one sessions to address any aspect of the writing process. Sessions take place in person or online through ConexEd. Students sign up for sessions at the CWAC (De La Salle Hall, Room 110) or schedule a session through ConexEd. CWAC also facilitates Writing Circles which are workshop courses for students looking to improve their writing. Certain courses require students to participate in a Writing Circle. For more information, please visit the CWAC website.
The Marie Curie STEM Center
The Marie Curie STEM Center “supports the success of all students in STEM classes by providing tutoring and workshops designed to foster study skills, problem solving, independence, and scientific identity, while building a supportive, collaborative, diverse, and equitable community of STEM learners.” Students can come to the STEM Center for support regardless of their major/minor. No appointments are necessary. Students are welcome to drop in for tutoring during STEM Center hours. The STEM Center is located on the second floor of Assumption Hall. For more information about current hours and workshops, please visit the STEM Center website.
Tutorial and Academic Skills Center (TASC)
The Tutorial and Academic Skills Center (TASC) provides free tutoring services. For tutoring for STEM classes, students are encouraged to seek out drop-in tutoring at the STEM Center first. Students can find a tutor using ConexED or email smctasc@stmarys-ca.edu for assistance. For more information, please visit the TASC website. The TASC website also has links to resources including note taking strategies, test taking strategies, and time management techniques.
Student Disability Services
The Disability Services office “supports faculty in the classroom and our colleagues across the college, striving for universal design and full inclusion to help create an informed college community that is equipped and able to address disability-related issues.” Students seeking accommodations should apply for accommodations with the SDS Office. For more information about the process for requesting accommodations see here. Please also see the Resources for SMC Faculty page for additional information.
Veterans Support Services
When working with Veteran and Military Affiliated Students, Veteran Support Services can be a helpful resource. See their website for more information about how students can apply for benefits and access other resources.
Creating partnerships to support your advisee
The Second Advisor- How to partner
Non-first year students who are pursuing more than one major are assigned an additional faculty advisor in that department. Intentional collaboration with the other advisor helps streamline the student experience and enables the student to meet their goals. Working together can also save you time in the long term.
You are encouraged to communicate with your advisee’s other advisor(s) to guide adjustments to the student’s plan to graduation. Since GaelXpress only requires the advisor approval from one advisor it can be helpful to determine a protocol for signing off on the student’s registration. When you meet with your advisee, ask them whether they have been in communication with their other advisor and help them connect with the other advisor, if needed.
For FYAC Advisors working with students who plan to double major, it is helpful to connect the students with the Department Chair/Program Director of each of their planned major. The Department Chair/Program Directors can help students understand major requirements and planned course offerings.
Supporting students pursuing other minors or certificates
Students who are pursuing a minor and/or certificate, in addition to their primary major, are typically not assigned a minor or certificate advisor. Any minor or certificate that a student has declared will appear on the student’s academic evaluation. If you or your advisees have questions about their minor or certificate requirements connect them to the department/program that oversees the minor/certificate. For more information about current Chairs & Program Directors, see the list on the Academic Affairs website.
Partnering with Career Center
The Career Center offers resources, guidance, and opportunities to assist students on their career journey. Encourage your advisees to connect with the Career Center to discuss any of the following topics:
- Career Exploration
- Applying to graduate or professional school
- Major Exploration- What Can I Do With this Major and other tools
- Internship & Job Search
- Interview Preparation
- Networking with SMC alumni and recruiters
The Career Center also hosts a wide variety of events each semester. Learn more here