MCC referral program helps struggling students
Daniel Jimenez
The Early Alert Referral System, EARS, is a new program implemented by Mesa Community College in the 2009 fall semester to help struggling students succeed in their classes.
Certain students attending MCC may have issues with a wide-range of problems including, financial dilemmas, relationship issues, uncertainty about an academic program, work schedule conflicts and transportation problems.
The program first appeared on the Chandler-Gilbert Community College website when the campus developed a one-way referral system from faculty to counselors.
MCC used similar ideas to expand the program by using their own methods. EARS was created by the faculty and staff in a collaborative effort to improve student success across campus.
The pilot program was launched in the spring 2009 semester and included 250 students. The results indicated that the referrals increased the number of students seeking counselors and tutoring.
The developers of EARS believed that this program would increase student retention.
EARS currently works in a four-person supportive effort coordinated by faculty and staff members.
If a professor is concerned about a student’s inability to comprehend specific material, the professor can first discuss the situation with the student and send a referral for help to the program.
Then, a copy of the referral is sent to the EARS coordinator, Bev Maxton at MCC, who will forward the request to the appropriate location, which will be one of the tutoring centers. Additionally, the student receives a copy of the referral either by e-mail or telephone.
Before the new EARS program, meeting the needs of students who were falling behind in their assignments depended upon instructor advice.
With the program in operation, faculty, staff and students who refer others will know that academic success at MCC is being taken seriously.
To date, Maxton has received 335 referrals from the beginning of the fall semester through Dec. 1, 2009.
Maxton’s most noticeable referrals have been for Advisement & Transfer Services, Career & Re-Entry Services, the Learning Enhancement Center, Distance Learning and the Counseling Department.
Advisement is typically the starting point for students who are indecisive about their future plans, or for those who need academic assistance.
Kathy Silberman, director of Advisement and Transfer Services, enjoys the new program and how the department and the institution cooperate for student success.
Paula Waybright, program adviser at the Career and Re-Entry Services commended the new project.
“The new EARS program is a good way to follow up with students,” said Waybright.
Students who are overwhelmed with the challenges a class may teach are encouraged to take advantage of the free tutoring services.
Many departments involved with EARS agree that the new referral system is a positive factor for student success.
They also agree that following up with the student’s progress helps them to succeed and that being aware of the resources available to them at MCC, is another benefit of EARS.
