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Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention

Enhancing student success: A closer look at SMU’s retention alert system

Ensuring the academic success and well-being of undergraduate students is a priority for SMU, and the Office of Student Success and Retention is taking proactive steps to address potential challenges through its innovative Retention Alert system. Faculty, staff, parents, and families are encouraged to utilize this reporting tool to share information about students who may be considering leaving SMU.

What is a Retention Alert?

The Retention Alert system serves as a valuable tool to identify and support students who may be at risk. This reporting form allows faculty, staff, and concerned individuals to communicate their retention concerns about an SMU undergraduate student. By using this tool, reporting personnel can play a crucial role in initiating timely intervention to support students facing academic or personal challenges.

How does it work?

The process is simple and user-friendly. The Retention Alert reporting form prompts the individual reporting to identify the reason for the alert and provide some details to help the SSR team. This information is then utilized by the SSR team, who will make a deliberate effort to connect with the student. This goal is to offer academic personal support services that can contribute to the student’s overall success and retention here on the Hilltop.

Encouraging Collaboration:

One of the key strengths of the Retention Alert system is its emphasis on collaboration. Faculty, staff, and other stakeholders are encouraged to continue working closely with the identified students even after submitting the alert. This collaborative approach ensures a holistic support system for students, addressing both academic and personal challenges that may hinder their progress.

When in Doubt, Report:

If there’s uncertainty about whether a situation should be reported, individuals are encouraged to err on the side of caution and report their concerns to the Caring Community Connection (CCC) program or call 214-768-4564. This proactive approach ensures that no potential issues are overlooked and appropriate support can be provided.

If you have additional questions or concerns, Contact the Office of Student Success and Retention by emailing ssr@smu.edu or calling 214-768-1231.

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Student Success & Retention

Student Success and Retention launches new website, online forms, and expanded initiatives

The Office of Student Success and Retention launched a new website on Friday, July 21. The new website unveiled expanded initiative descriptions and new online forms.

Explore our student success initiatives, empowering all Mustangs to achieve their goals. The initiatives are designed to provide holistic student support and empower students to succeed from their first day through graduation.

Plus, undergraduate students can initiate Withdrawal, Cancelation, and Leave of Absences via a new web form rather than email. This new form streamlines processes, enhances communication with campus partners, and decreases the overall process timeline. Please direct students to this new overview page which includes pre-leave considerations, details on requesting leaves, what to do while on leave, and how to return successfully to the Hilltop.

Finally, SMU employees, parents, and families have a web form to report student retention concerns. Formally known as the Student Intent to Leave Form, the rebranded form is now entitled Retention Alert. 

Retention Alert allows student support personnel to attempt intervention with students at risk. Reporting faculty and staff are encouraged to continue working with the identified student. Student Success and Retention or a partner office representative will try to reach students who would benefit from academic and personal support services. The Retention Alert form will ask you to identify the reason for the alert and your recommendation(s) for follow-up.

Please direct questions, concerns, and feedback to the Office of Student Success and Retention at ssr@smu.edu.