SMART Program
"Collaborative Partnership Championing the Cause for Student Success"
About the SMART Program
Alongside the PASS (Positive Action for Student Success) program, the SMART program provides comprehensive referral support throughout the semester. Unlike its PASS sister companion, which provides an “early alert” system for students who are experiencing classroom problems that may affect their overall class success, the SMART program aims at contacting students who may need a “wake-up” alert in making scholastic decisions before it’s too late in the semester. These “wake-up” red flags may arise from a broad spectrum of issues: attendance, coursework, classroom behavior, and other factors impeding student success at CSI.
The intent of this "late alert" program is to develop positive student/teacher communication in an effort to map out a course of action for student achievement and success, before the last day to drop.
SMART Program Contact Information
At CSI, we are interested in providing comprehensive referral support for student success. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the SMART program, please contact the Advising Center, and we will be more than happy to assist you.
SMART Program Coordinator: Cesar Perez
E-mail: cperez@csi.edu
Phone: 732-6250
Office Location: Advising Center (Main floor of the Taylor Building in the Matrix Center
College of Southern Idaho)
Frequently Asked Qestions about SMART
Why Should I Take Time From My Schedule To Learn About SMART?
The following feedback represents some of the student, faculty, and advising experiences as a result of utilizing the SMART program:
- Opportunities to develop positive student/teacher relationships
- Awareness to possible scholastic red flags arising throughout the semester
- An array of contact resources to promote and retain student success
- Acknowledgement of critical instructional calendar dates to make informed choices
- Improvement in academic student persistence and an increase in student achievement
Based on the positive experiences listed above, the SMART program has made an enormous difference in the lives of CSI students.
Don’t just take our word for it.…..here is what some students and instructors have to say:
"The SMART program connected me to my teachers on a one-on-one basis. My teacher does care about my personal needs so I can pass my class with their support." Jessica, CSI Student
"The resources and people contact that is provided in the SMART letter allowed me to stay in my class and not just give up without talking to someone who cares. The program also gave me the confidence to visit with my teacher to talk about why I was not reaching my goals in the class." Armando, CSI Student
"The SMART letter is worded carefully and appropriately. It lets students know they have options, and keeps them from becoming discouraged with academics. The letter increases student/instructor communication, which is a benefit to both parties." Nolan Rice, Assistant Professor, Mathematics
"The SMART program has been the best way I've found to get students who need help into my office before it's too late. I find the SMART program especially helpful for contacting students in my larger lecture sections." Dr. Amy Doetsch, Assistant Professor, Life Science
"The SMART program is a great system to assure that students know of problems in the classroom." Dr. Jim Gentry, Department Chair & Professor, Social Science
Now That SMART Has My Attention, How Do Students Get Identified?
If a concern is identified in a student’s course, the instructor enters the student’s name in the SMART program. The student is then contacted via mail to visit with the instructor directly in order to discuss concerns associated with student progress.
When a Student Receives a SMART Letter, What’s the Next Step?
The most crucial step is to contact the instructor who referred the student into the SMART program. In the referral letter, the instructor’s name, location, and contact information is provided.
If a Student Receives a SMART Letter, Is That the Same as Failing?
The SMART letter is in NO way, shape, or form a grade. The intention of the SMART program is to provide students referral support in order to achieve success each semester.
Will the SMART Letter be Included in a Student’s Permanent Record?
The SMART Letter will NOT be included in any official student record or archive. The SMART letter focuses on informing students that an instructor has concerns regarding student progress in a specific course. The Advising Center, however, will keep a record on file for faculty verification.
How Does a Student Seek Help Once the SMART Referral is Made?
The first step is to discuss your classroom situation with your instructor. In this discussion, the student and instructor will map out a course of action which is in the best interest of the student, before the last day to drop. Then, depending on the student’s situation, he/she may be referred to campus support resources such as tutoring, library facilities, advising, etc.
How Does a Student Drop a Course After Meeting With an Instructor?
If the course of action is to drop a class, after meeting with the classroom instructor, the student will need to complete a “drop form” and turn it into the Admissions and Records Office for processing. Drop forms can be picked up at the Advising Center or Admissions and Records Office. Although an instructor’s signature is not needed to complete the drop form transaction, a student is strongly suggested to obtain the instructor’s signature as a means of communication between instructor and student. Students are also advised to be aware of semester drop date deadlines.
What if the Course of Action Entails Auditing the Class?
The process of an audit form is similar to filling out a drop form. If the course of action is to audit the class after meeting with the classroom instructor, a student will need to complete an “add form” and check the audit box on the form. Add forms can be picked up at the Advising Center or Admissions and Records Office. Please be advised that an instructor’s signature will be required to complete an audit form transaction. Students are also advised to be aware of semester audit date deadlines.