The Academic Support Referral (ASR) acts as an early alert system which is designed to increase students' persistence and promote the development of the intellectual and affective domains to improve how students learn. The University of Houston, Clear Lake is committed to make certain that students, faculty and staff are aware of the educational and academic support programs offered to students and has implemented a retention program through the Academic Support Referral. This program is managed by the Student Success Center (SSC). I feel everyone at the university has a vested interest in student success.
The Academic Support Referral exemplifies how the University of Houston, Clear Lake is an academic community, in every sense of the word. We come together to support those who are in need of assistance and to support student learning.

The Academic Support Referral program allows faculty to be proactive and involved in assisting with the student retention efforts, through the early detection and intervention of students who are experiencing problems that may affect their academic performance.

Academic Support Referrals are for student(s) for which faculty has a concern(s) and/or do not feel that you as faculty can provide the additional out-of-class support the student may need. The Student Success Center will contact the student, share the faculty member's concern(s), and the SSC will provide recommendations. Students will receive an alert email once faculty submits an ASR due to the following concerns:
• Excessive absences
• Missing tests or assignments
• Failure to complete homework
• Classroom behavior
• Tardiness
• Low scores on tests/assignments/quizzes

After the request is sent, the Assistant Director of the Student Success Center will contact the student within 72business hours (the SSC will make multiple attempts to contact the student). In addition, the Student Success Center will notify you, the instructor, as well as the student on the plans we deem necessary to assist the student personally and/or academically.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

HOW TO ENROLL: All stakeholders have access to this program. As such, there is no enrollment process

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes have been internally collected in the past

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Student Success Center

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Jorge Tennin at tennin@uhcl.edu or 2812832454

Embedded tutors (ETs) work closely with instructors for the duration of a course to help students understand course concepts and enhance student engagement. The tutor attends class meetings each week, and class attendance is based on the needs of the students and the structure of the class. In the classroom, the ET functions as a mentor and a model for successful academic strategies and habits. ETs are not classroom observers, teaching assistants, personal assistants to the instructor, or instructors. They have authority over students because instructors introduce them into courses. ETs follow the same “hands-off” rules as tutors in the Student Success Center (SSC): Help students understand materials, but don't do the work for them. Embedded tutors use “best practices” learned during the tutor training they receive at the beginning of the semester of employment. The tutors are intended to optimize classroom learning by working with individuals and small groups, including going over an assignment, reviewing a key lesson or skill, and preparing for exams. ETs also take on an advocacy and intermediary role with students, voicing concerns and ideas to the instructor based on student feedback. Their presence in the classroom enables students to better understand their instructor and the lessons. In addition, the tutor may hold study sessions for students outside of the designated class time. Instructors recommend their embedded tutor(s) from students that have previously taken their course and received an “A” or “A-” in the course. Currently, all of the ETs are assigned to courses in the College of Science and Engineering.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

HOW TO ENROLL: All stakeholders have access to this program. As such, there is no enrollment process

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes are currently being internally collected

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Student Success Center

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Dorsey Thomas at Thomasdo@uhcl.edu or 2812832450