The Blue Hen Success Collaborative — the University of Delaware’s new academic advising and support system — has completed phase one of its pilot program, laying the groundwork for phase two testing in the spring semester. The University is aiming to fully implement the collaborative in academic year 2017-18.

“We are learning a lot more about the myriad features within the platform and the most efficient, effective ways to use the functionality,” said Naomi Nash, director of the collaborative. “During phase two, we will test additional tools and create the framework for full implementation.”

The Blue Hen Success Collaborative (BHSC) uses a combination of predictive analytics, real-time data, consulting and networking to help advisers recognize and intervene with at-risk students and keep them on track to graduation.

Approximately 50 advisers, the BHSC leadership team and Student Services for Athletes tested the program during the fall semester. Some of the most popular features from the fall pilot included the student profile overview, the advising reports/appointment feature and the advanced search capabilities.

“The BHSC is helping me to be a more informed and effective adviser,” said Patricia Walsh, associate professor and undergraduate program director for the Department of Biological Sciences. “The student overview provides critical information about an advisee’s academic progress. I can quickly identify any areas of concern resulting in more meaningful and productive advisement appointments.”

Danielle Dolan, academic adviser for the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, said, “I’ve been using the appointment campaign feature of the BHSC and it has completely changed the way I arrange appointments with students. It has saved me time, and students seem to appreciate the ease of scheduling at their own convenience without having to wait for me to respond by email. I have also had better attendance at scheduled meetings thanks to the automated email and text reminders that students receive the morning of the appointments.” 

To date, over 5,000 advising appointments have been generated within the BHSC platform.

Jenni Buckley, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, said, “As a faculty member who advises a lot of students, the new Blue Hen Success Collaborative is a really powerful tool that allows me to easily and proactively engage with students who might need some extra support at particular points during our program. The advanced search feature lets me reach out in ways that would have been really cumbersome before.”

Numerous users have been added for phase two, including: 75 additional faculty and staff advisers from all colleges; 30 staff members from offices of the Dean of Students, Career Services, Residence Life, Disabilities Support Services and Student Financial Services; and 85 department chairs or chair designees.

Phase-two users are now beginning to test additional functionality including tutoring capabilities at the Office of Academic Enrichment and the Math Open Lab, and a student referral feature (for coordinated care across campus).

Chairs and chair designees will also use the BHSC Institutional Reports, a toolbox to provide departments quick access to historical data and descriptive statistics that provide insight on their degree programs.

Colleen Kent Greenstine, academic adviser for the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, said her office is excited to see referrals and connections across campus housed in one central location. “The Blue Hen Success Collaborative is closing the communication gap on campus by providing advisors with a more complete picture of the student that will enhance the overall advising experience,” she said.

For more information about the Blue Hen Success Collaborative, visit the website.