An essential component in the effort to reduce the number of students on academic probation and to move them to timely degree completion is the Division of Academic Enhancement (DAE) which is housed within the Office of the Vice President for Instruction. Over the last three years DAE has continued to expand the Collaborative Academic and Retention Effort (CARE) program, an early intervention program designed to address the individual needs of students placed on academic probation, which is used by most schools and colleges at UGA who refer students to the program; these participating schools and colleges account for 98% of UGA’s undergraduate student body. CARE participants experience significant increases in GPA and often return to good academic standing within one semester of participation. By identifying struggling students early and helping them return to good academic standing, retention and completion become more realistic outcomes for these students.
CARE participants benefit from one-on-one consultations with academic specialists. Prior to the initial CARE appointment, students fill out a survey describing their study habits and identifying roadblocks to academic success. Using the information from the survey, CARE specialists create a personalized improvement plan and provide valuable resources for each student. Students who are served through the CARE program include those who fall on scholastic probation for the first time; are on continued probation and are re-admitted (post-dismissal); and students who self-select into the program, seeking to heighten or improve academic performance. Faculty can also refer students who need academic assistance through the Early Alert Program; those students receive the same services as CARE students.
