Support 1st-year students who did not complete core course to retake with additional academic supports
Georgia State University launched “the Accelerator Program” is Summer 2021 to help 1st-year students who had received non passing grades in critical 1st-year courses get back on the right academic track by retaking the course in the summer term. The Accelerator Program offers wrap around supports including chatbot nudges, academic coaches, writing studio, study sessions, Early Alert, paid tuition and repeat to replace advising services.
Evaluation Plan and measures: % of students who successfully complete retaken course
Baseline measure: 100% students received non passing grades
Goal or targets: 75% pass rate enabling students to progress
Time period/duration: Summer Term
In Summer 2023, the Accelerator Program was offered to 50 students in English 1101 who failed to pass the course during the academic year. Results indicates that 76% of students in program passed course with a C or better. Retakes during year result in pass rate of only about 50%. More than 500 students failed to pass course during the year scaling program could result in additional 130 students passing each year.
Program will be continued in Summer 2023. This is a scale project for the University Innovation Alliance. The model, first developed at Georgia State University, is being expanded nationally to UIA schools through the Alliance. GSU will increase courses supported in Summer 2024
Funding for this program is the biggest challenge to this program. GSU’s initially funded through HEERF funds. Without tuition or stipend support will students still be motivated and will results be as strong?
