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OFFICE OF THE

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT ACADEMIC AND ASSOCIATE PROVOST

MEMO

TENTION

Senate

STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAM EXTENSION ISCUS 08-061

DATE

May 13. 2008

Action undertaken by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Studies at its

meeting of May 6, 2008, gives rise to the following recommendation:

STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAM EXTENSION

Motion

"that Senate approve the extension of exemptions made to existing Standing and

Continuance policies, as related to the Student Success program, for two years;

from April 2008 to August 2010, and approve the expansion of target groups to

the Faculty of Science."

SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY ?

THINKING OF THE WORLD

FROM

Advising and Student Success

Student Success Program - Request for Extension of Special

Exemptions from Undergraduate Academic Standing &

Continuance Policy

LDATE

April 25, 2008

At its meeting in May 2007, SCUS approved, on a one-time basis, three exemptions to the

Undergraduate Academic Standing & Continuance Policy for International and Faculty of Applied

Sciences students who were 'Required to Withdraw' from the University at the end of the Spring,

Summer, and Fall 2007 semesters (see Appendix A). Essentially, these exemptions allowed

eligible students in these two groups to 'Continue on Academic Probation' at the University, if

they participated in the Student Success Program.

Early results of the Program have been promising (see Appendix B), and at this point, we are

recommending the pilot be extended for a one year period, September 2008 to August 2009, in

its current format (see Appendix C). A proposal regarding extension of the pilot was submitted for

discussion at the April 2, 2008 VP/Deans meeting

(see

Appendix D), and received strong

support. As such, we request SCUS approve an extension to the original policy exemptions for a

further one year period, ending August 31, 2009. Two amendments are proposed to the

exemptions: expansion of the target groups and a change in the fee policy.

1. Tar g

et Grows

1.1

Continue with all eligible International students:

• In comparison to domestic students, international students have double the rates of

academic difficulty.

• International students have rising attrition rates.

• The University has committed to improving international student success and retention

rates.

• Early indicators show that international students benefit greatly from this type of

personalized intervention.

1.2 Continue with eligible domestic Faculty of Applied Sciences students:

• Significant resources have been dedicated to customizing components of this program

for FAS.

1.3 Extend program to include eligible domestic Faculty of Science students:

• Highest percentage of RTW students originates from Science.

• Math department has already been involved in the original program curriculum

development, particularly around quantitative issues, and this work can easily be

expanded on to meet the needs of Science students.

To stay within our program capacity goals for 2008/09, it may be necessary to implement

some form of eligibility criteria or filter for domestic students in Applied Sciences and Science.

Initially, this could be a minimum number of attempted units, but requires further analysis and

recommendation based on the program evaluation. This will be undertaken in the Fall 2008

semester, following completion of the Spring/Summer 2008 cohort, and a full report will be

provided to SCUS.

Program

Fee Change

Currently, students are charged $250 in each semester of the two-semester Program. They

are eligible for a $250 tuition credit if they complete the Program, are eligible to continue at the

SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY THINKING OF THE WORLD

University (either on probation or in good standing), and enroll in a subsequent term. Going

forward we propose that the Program retain the entire $500. This allows us to extend the

Program to more students, and seems appropriate given the substantial value of the Program.

In addition to the R1W Student Success Program, we will be developing academic success

initiatives to address other areas of concern. These include strategies for students 'On Academic

Probation', undeclared students above 45 credits, and entrance scholarship students. These will

primarily be introduced for students in Arts & Social Sciences largely through optimization of

resources in place for the RTW Student Success Program.

c. Nello Angerilli, Associate VP, Students and International

Nancy Johnston, Senior Director, Student Learning and Retention

Kate Ross, Registrar & Senior Director, Student Enrollment

Mehran Kiai, Director, Enrollment Services

Richard MacLeod, Director, Records & Registration

SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY

THINKING OF THE WORLD

8888 University Drive

ATTENTION

FROM

Director, Academic Advising and Student

uccess

Student Success Program - Special Exemptions from Undergraduate

Academic Standing & Continuance Policy

LDATE

May 30, 2007

Further to my memo of April 25, 2007, I am providing clarification and additional detail regarding

the "Student Success" program and proposed changes to the Academic Standing and

Continuance policy. The attached document seeks to address concerns and questions raised by

SCUS at its meeting on May 1, 2007. Also, previously three amendments to the Academic

Standing and Continuance policy had been proposed. These are now put forth as a request for

'exemptions' to the current policy. The 'exemptions' that will be required for the students who are

selected and enroll in the pilot program are as follows:

Current

An undergraduate student's academic standing is evaluated upon completion of 9

credit hours. If a student's CGPA is below 2.00, they are placed on Academic Probation

(OAP). Upon completion of a subsequent semester, regardless of the number of credits

completed, a student is R1W if both their SGPA (semester grade point average) and CGPA

(cumulative grade point average) are below 2.00. If their SGPA is >2.00 and CGPA is

2.00, then the student's standing is Continued on Academic Probation (CAP).

. ?

Proposed:

At the end of the first enrolled semester subsequent to being placed on Academic

Probation, international and Faculty of Applied Sciences students with both a SGPA and

CGPA below 2.00, rather than being RTW, will be invited to enroll in the "Student Success"

program. If they choose this option, then their academic standing will be changed to CAP.

Students who do not take up the program will remain RTW, and will be required to meet the

normal readmission requirements.

2. Current

A student whose

academic standing is CAP will be R1W if both their SGPA and

CGPA are below 2.00 in a subsequent semester. If their SGPA is ^-2.00 and CGPA is

2.00, then the student's standing remains CAP.

Proposed:

At the end of Semester One of the "Student Success" program, if both the SGPA

and CGPA are below 2.00, a student will only be RTW if they have not completed the

prescribed non-credit modules. This is the only exception to the current evaluation policy for

students enrolled in the program. At the end of Semester Two, the current evaluation policy

will apply to all students.

3. Current-

A student whose academic standing is OAP or CAP will not be permitted to enroll in

a course overload.

Proposed:

A student enrolled in the "Student Success" program will not be permitted to

exceed 9 credit hours of regular course enrollment, with the exception of students whose

CGPA L-2.00 at the end of Semester One. These students will be in Good Academic

Standing.

If approved, the above policy exemptions, in conjunction with the "Student Success" program,

should be reviewed at the end of the Spring 2008 semester. At that point the program will have

been in place for two semesters, which should provide an adequate review period. Using both

quantitative and qualitative assessment methods, the program's affect on student success will be

measured, and a recommendation will be brought forward regarding the program's future.

SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY

Al

THINKING OF THE

WORLD

Nello Angerilli, Associate VP, Students and International

Nancy Johnston, Senior Director, Student Learning and Retention

Kate Ross, Registrar & Senior Director, Student Enrollment

Richard MacLeod, Director (Acting), Records & Registration

SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY THINKING OF THE WORLD

UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC STANDING & CONTINUANCE POLICY

Standing Required for Continuance

Every student is expected to maintain an acceptable standard of scholarship. Specifically, a

student must maintain a

minimum CGPA

of 2.00. A student who does not do so shall be considered to be performing unsatisfactorily in his/her

studies.

upon first admission to Simon Fraser University, a student shall be placed in good academic

standing

academic performance shall be evaluated on Simon Fraser University courses that have assigned

grades ('assigned grade' include grades A+ through to D, F, and N, but exclude P, W, CF, AE, CC,

DE, GN, FX, IP and AU)

Academic Alert

A student whose semester grade point average (SGPA) falls below 2.00, but who is not placed on any of the academic

standings given below, shall receive an 'academic alert' notification and shall be advised to seek guidance at

Academic Advising and Student Success in Student Services.

Academic Probation

A student who has a CGPA of less than 2.00 shall be placed on academic probation (OAP). A student on academic

probation may not register in a course overload. A student on OAP standing may not receive a 'letter or permission' to

attend another university or college.

Re q

uired to Withdraw

A student may be required to withdraw (RTW) after one or more semesters on academic probation (see 'outcomes for

a student on academic probation' below). A student on RTW standing may not receive a 'letter or permission' to

attend another university of college.

Extended Withdrawal

A student may be placed on extended withdrawal (EW) after she/he is required to withdraw (RTW), is readmitted and

subsequently is on academic probation for one or more semesters (see Outcomes for a Student on Academic Probation

below). A student on EW standing may not receive a 'letter of permission' to attend another university or college.

Outcomes for a Student on Academic Probation

A student on academic probation shall be evaluated at the end of each semester. If at the end of the semester

• the SGPA and the CGPA are each 2.00 or higher, the student shall be in good academic standing

• the SGPA is 2.00 or higher, but the CGPA is less than 2.00, the student shall continue on academic probation

• the SGPA is less than 2.00, but the CGPA is 2.00 or higher, the student shall continue on academic probation. (This

could occur if a student repeats a course.)

• both the SGPA and the CGPA are less than 2.00, the student shall be required to withdraw (RTW) from the

university or, if previously required to withdraw (RTW), shall be placed on extended withdrawal (EW)

CD.

Readmission of Involuntarily Withdrawn Students

A former student who is involuntarily withdrawn from the University (required to withdraw or placed on extended

withdrawal) may apply for readmission based on performance achieved in external academic course work completed

after she/he last registered at Simon Fraser University (see below for details).

Readmission after Required to Withdraw

A former student who is required to withdraw (RTW) shall be eligible for readmission if she/he completes externally

further transferable academic work according to the following schedule (any of the following five options):

• 12-17 credit hours with a minimum 3.50 GPA

• 18-23 credit hours with a minimum 3.00 GPA

• 24-29 credit hours with a minimum

2.75

GPA or with the acceptance GPA (see

Acceptance GPA

below)

whichever is higher

• 30 or more credit hours with the acceptance GPA (see

Acceptance GPA

below)

• a completed 2 year technical diploma with a 70% minimum average and at least 12 credit hours of

transferable course work with a minimum 2.75 GPA. (The transferable work may be within the diploma

program or supplementary to it.)

Readmission

Students on Extended Withdrawal

A former student on extended withdrawal (EW) shall be eligible for readmission if she/he completes further

transferable academic work according to the following schedule (any of the following five options):

• 24 .

35 credit hours with a minimum 3.50 GPA

• 3647 credit hours with a minimum 3.00 GPA

• 48-59 credit hours with a minimum 2.75 GPA or with the acceptance GPA (see

Acceptance GPA

below),

whichever is higher

• 60 or more credit hours with the acceptance GPA

• a completed two year technical diploma with a 70% minimum average and at least 24 credit hours of

transferable course work with a minimum 2.75 GPA. (The transferable work may be within the diploma

program or supplementary to it.)

Acceptance GFA

The acceptance GPA refers to the minimum admission GPA in effect for that semester for British Columbia college

transfer students, according to enrolment limitation measures. The acceptance GPA may vary.

7..

Student Success Program

. ?

Additional information re

q uested b

SCUS:

1. What is the cost to students for enrolling in the program?

The cost for the two-semester program will be $500 (total for two semesters), and will be the same for both

international and domestic students. The full amount will be charged at the beginning of the first semester.

Students who are eligible to continue at the University, i.e. not Required to Withdraw (RTW), after completion of the

second semester will receive a $250 tuition credit towards their subsequent semesters tuition fees. In addition,

students can enroll in up to 9 credit hours of regular courses. Normal tuition and fees will apply to credit courses,

with international students admitted Fall 2003 and onwards paying the differential rate.

2. What contextual changes are driving this program?

In response to the growing number of students with poor academic standing, and the institutional objective to

improve student retention, we must develop proactive strategies that support student success and retention. This

type of program has been proven to improve retention rates amongst students who are struggling academically.

Data shows that our RTW and OAP rates have been generally increasing since 2000. Given the declining

admission averages of our new students, we can anticipate this trend to continue. Therefore, it will become

increasingly important for us to support students who are facing academic difficulties. We know that improved

retention rates results in improved reputation, which, over the long term, leads to greater success in recruiting high

quality students. We can consider this program an investment in our students that should have long lasting returns.

Why is this program being targeted to R1W students?

The pilot program is targeted to RTW students; however, subsequent phases of the program would be expanded to

include OAP students. Given the challenges the University is facing in meeting new student targets, we are more

reliant on continuing or returning students. As a 'stop-gap' strategy, an immediate reduction in student attrition can

be realized by reducing the number of students who are RTW. We know that significant numbers of these students

are not returning to the University for various reasons that merit further investigation. It would certainly be a

desirable long term strategy to implement this program for students on academic probation, or even earlier, and

. ?

actually, reduce the number of students who reach 'academic crisis'.

4. Why is this program being targeted to International students?

The primary reasons for targeting international students:

• International students are overrepresented in the group of RTW students (see tables I and 2)

• ?

International student retention is an area of significant concern, particularly as it becomes increasingly

difficult to recruit new international students to meet enrollment targets

• Data shows that, after being RTW, International students return to study at the University at significantly

lower rates than domestic students (see table 3)

• During the discussions regarding partnering with IBT, in response to concerns raised by students, the

University promised to enhance activities for international student retention

Table

shows the proportion of international students versus domestic students, admitted in a given year, who

became RTW.

Table 1: Students Re q uired to Withdraw within 2 Years of Admission (Admit Year=200412005)

Admitted

# RTW

% R1W

6617

BC College Transfer

Table 2 (a) shows the percentage of registered international students

who were R1W over a 10 year period and

Table 2(b)

shows

the

percentage

of registered domestic students who were

RTW for

the same period.

TabIeJ(a)

Percentage

of Registered International Students

"RTW"

Ineligible to

Reregister,

Semester

^ I

4.0%

Fa

11

0.0%

1996-971997 .

981998-991999-002000-012001

.02

2002- 2003- 2004- 2005-

03 ?

04 ?

05 ?

Academic year

Note This plot Includes both lr1art1oM A (iaed) and b ratloM B

(graidfatt)

Students

Table 2(b)

I ^ ? 

Percentage of Registered Domestic Students "RTW"

or Ineligible to Reregister, by Semester

^ I

2.5% ----- ?

- ?

Domestic 

;:

--FaIl

10%

Spring 

surnrner

0.5%

0.0%

1998-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002- 2003- 2004- 2005-

03 ?

04 ?

Academic year

Table 3 shows the proportion of domestic students versus international students who returned to the University

•

after being RTW.

Table 3: R1W Students Outcomes

R1W Undergraduate Students Admitted Fall 1996 to Summer 2006

%R1W

22.9

3658

210

3868

77.1

88.2

77.6

5. What Is the program budget?

Student Success Program ?

Budget 2007/2008

Costs

Module

development

$20,000

1.0 FTE Program Coordinator

$81,661

1.0 FTE Academic Advisor

$65,524

On-line assessment tools

$3,091

1.5 FTh Learning Skills Coordinator

Total

We will have to factor in resources required at the faculty level for additional advising

Revenue

Program Fee for 250 Students @ $250/ea

Total

Funding request from VPA

$133,018

Incremental Tuition & Fees for

rnational Students (125)

$1,122,948

Total

$1,495•745

I0.

6. What are the resource implications for the Faculties?

The pilot program is being developed for students in the Faculty of Applied Sciences and International students. All

students entering the Student Success program will be assigned an academic advisor in Student Services. Where

a student has a declared major, their assigned academic advisor will consult with their department or school

advisor to develop an appropriate course plan for the student. This will typically average one hour per student. The

large majority of International students who are RIW do not have a declared major, and therefore, they will

primarily seek academic advising in Student Services. The following table shows the breakdown of International

and Applied Sciences R1W students by program and declared major:

RTW International Students (excludin

plied Sciences)

SDnna 2007 Term (1071 Actual

Prog

Intl A

Intl B

Declared

Undeclared

non-degree seeking Arts ?

Summer 2007 Term (1074 Proiected

Prog

Intl A

Intl B

Declared

Undeclared

Fall 2007 term (1077 Proiected

Prog

Intl A

Intl B

Declared

Iied Sciences Students (Domestic and International)

SDrina 2007 Term (1071 Actual

Prog

Intl A

Intl B

Domestic

Summer 2007 Term (1074 Prolected

Prog

Intl A

Intl B

Domestic

Fall 2007 Term (1077 Projected

Prog

Intl A

Intl B

Domestic

9 ?

7. What is the program curriculum?

• The program curriculum is being developed by a working group with staff and faculty from Student

Learning & Retention, Student Learning Commons, Health and Counselling, Faculty of Applied

Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, and the FAL (Foundations of Academic Literacy) program

• Students will be allowed to take up to 9 credit hours per semester of regular courses, as prescribed

by their academic advisor, in each of the two semesters

• Several individual academic advising consultations per semester

• A written agreement between the student and the program outlining expectations from each party

• Every student will receive an assessment of their study/teaming skills and other academic skills, e.g.

writing and numeracy; areas requiring strengthening and support will be identified

• Every student will develop a personal learning plan prescribing resources, workshops, and non-credit

modules

• All students will be required to take a core study/learning skills module (non-credit); topics covered

will include time management, motivation, exam anxiety, academic writing, library/research skills, etc.

• Where appropriate students will be directed to take FALX99 and/or FANX99

• Additional non-credit modules (two to four weeks) will be prescribed as required:

-International student transition

-English as an Additional Language modules for reading, writing, and oral skill development

-Budgeting workshop offered by Financial Aid & Awards

-Computer skills, e.g. MS Word, Excel, SPSS

-On-line instructional modules for improving study/learning skills

-Discipline specific modules will be developed by instructors/faculty

• Students will also be encouraged to participate in facilitated study groups led by peer educators and

oher peer led programs, such as the International Mentorship program

• Where appropriate students will be directed to Counselling Services, the Centre for Students with

Disabilities, Student Learning Commons, etc.

• On-line non-credit module to keep students on track during semester two

I ?

'a.

8. Do the two semesters in the program need to be consecutive?

During the pilot the two semesters will need to be taken consecutively as the program is only being offered for

a limited number of semesters. There will only be two intakes for the pilot year, one in September 2007 and

second in January 2008. Students who are RTW in either the Spring or Summer 2007 semesters will be

invited to participate in the program during Fall 2007 and Spring 2008 semesters. Students who are RTW in

the Fall 2007 semester will be invited to participate in the program during the Spring and Summer 2008

semesters. The program will be reviewed both during the Spring and Summer 2008 semesters. A

recommendation regarding the programs future will be presented in May 2008.

8888 University Drive

ATTENTION

FROM

Director, Academic Advising and Student Success

Changes to Undergraduate Academic Standing & Continuance Policy

DATE

April 25, 2007

The percentage of registered undergraduate students with poor academic standing has been generally increasing since

about 2000. While the percentage is relatively small, the increasing student population translates into significant

increases in the number of students in academic difficulty. A recent study conducted by Analytical Studies shows that

only 22% of students who were "Required to Withdraw" over a ten year period, Fall 1996 to Summer 2006, returned

to SFU.

Our current Academic Standing and Continuance policy evaluates students on the basis of grade point average alone.

However, we know that there are a number of factors which can contribute to a student's academic achievement,

particularly in their early semesters. We are in the early stages of developing a pilot initiative aimed at improving

undergraduate student retention amongst under-performing students. This two-semester "Student Success" program

provides a "safety net" for students by integrating intensive academic advising and non-credit modules designed to

teach skills for academic success and development.

During the proposed pilot phase, September 2007 to August 2008, the program will be offered to International and

Faculty of Applied Science students who would normally be "Required to Withdraw" from the University due to

unsatisfactory academic performance. International students are targeted for two main reasons. First, they are

overrepresented in the group of RTW students. Second, it is becoming increasingly difficult to meet our International

student enrollment targets through new admits. FAS students were selected as they have seen a marked increase in

RTW students since 2003. It is estimated that approximately 275 students within the two targeted student groups will

be R1'W during the Fall 2007, Spring 2008, and Summer 2008 semesters. To ensure successful implementation of the

program, given its resource-intensive nature and integration across multiple administrative and academic units, the

pilot should be small-scale. Ideally, if the pilot is successful, then consideration should be given to increasing its scope

to other Faculties, as well as students on Academic Probation.

Attached is the program proposal, which has received strong support at the VP/Dean's table. Implementation of the

"Student Success" program requires three amendments to the Academic Standing and Continuance policy (see

attached):

Current:

An undergraduate student's academic standing is

evaluated upon completion of 9 credit hours. If a

student's CGPA is below 2.00, they are placed on Academic Probation (OAP). Upon completion of a subsequent

semester, regardless of the number of credits completed, a student is RTW if both their SGPA (semester grade

point average) and CGPA (cumulative grade point average) are below 2.00. If their SGPA is 2t2.00 and CGPA is

:Q.00, then the student's standing is Continued on Academic Probation (CAP).

Proposed:

In the first enrolled semester subsequent to being placed on Academic Probation, if a student's SGPA

and CGPA are both below 2.00, rather than being RTW, they will be invited to enroll in the "Student Success"

program. If they choose this option, then their academic standing will be changed to CAP. Students who do not

take up the program will remain RTW, and will be required to meet the normal readmission requirements (see

attached).

Current:

A student whose academic standing is CAP will be RTW if both their SGPA and CGPA are below 2.00

in a subsequent semester. If their SGPA is ^2.00 and CGPA is :Q.00, then the student's standing remains CAP.

SIMON

FRASER UNIVERSITY

THINKING OF THE WORLD

Proposed:

At the end of Semester One of the "Student Success" program, if both the SGPA and CGPA are below

2.00, a student will only be RTW if they have not completed the prescribed non-credit modules. This is the only

exception to the current evaluation policy for students enrolled in the program. At the end of Semester Two, the

current evaluation policy will apply to all students.

0

Current:

A student whose academic standing is OAP or CAP will not be permitted to enroll in a course overload.

Proposed:

A student enrolled in the "Student Success" program will not be permitted to exceed 9 credit hours of

regular course enrollment, with the exception of students whose CGPA ^:2.00 at the end of Semester One. These

students will be in Good Academic Standing.

If approved, the above policy changes, in conjunction with the "Student Success" program, should be reviewed at the

end of the Spring 2008 semester. At that point the program will have been in place for two semesters, which should

provide an adequate review period. Using both quantitative and qualitative assessment methods, the program's affect

on student success will be measured, and a recommendation will be brought forward regarding the program's future.

c. Nello Angerilli, Associate VP, Students and International

Nancy Johnston, Senior Director, Student Learning and Retention

Kate Ross, Registrar & Senior Director, Student Enrollment

fc. ?

SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY THINKING OF THE WORLD

UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC STANDING & CONTINUANCE POLICY

Standing Required for Continuance

Every student is expected to maintain an acceptable standard of

scholarship. Specifically, a student must maintain a

minimum CGPA

of 2.00. A student who does not do so shall be considered to be performing unsatisfactorily in his/her

studies.

• upon first admission to Simon Fraser University, a student shall be placed in good academic

standing

• academic performance shall be evaluated on Simon Fraser University courses that have assigned

grades ('assigned grade' include grades A+ through to D, F, and N, but exclude P, W, CR, AE, CC,

DE, GN, FX, IP and AU)

Academic Alert

A student whose semester grade point average (SGPA) falls below 2.00, but who is not placed on any of the academic

standings given below, shall receive an 'academic alert' notification and shall be advised to seek guidance at

Academic Advising and Student Success in Student Services.

Academic Probation

A student who has a CGPA of less than 2.00 shall be placed on academic probation (OAP). A student on academic

probation may not register in a course overload. A student on OAP standing may not receive a 'letter or permission' to

attend another university or college.

Re q

uired to Withdraw

S ?

A student may be required to withdraw (RTW) after one or more semesters on academic probation (see 'outcomes for

a student on academic probation' below). A student on RTW standing may not receive a 'letter or permission' to

attend another university of college.

Extended Withdrawal

A student may be placed on extended withdrawal (EW) after she/he is required to withdraw (RTW), is readmitted and

subsequently is on academic probation for one or more semesters (see Outcomes for a Student on Academic Probation

below). A student on EW standing may not receive a 'letter of permission' to attend another university or college.

Outcomes for a Student on Academic Probation

A student on academic probation shall be evaluated at the end of each semester. If at the end of the semester

• the SGPA and the CGPA are each 2.00 or higher, the student shall be in good academic standing

• the SGPA is 2.00 or higher, but the CGPA is less than 2.00, the student shall continue on academic probation

• the SGPA is less than 2.00, but the CGPA is 2.00 or higher, the student shall continue on academic probation. (This

could occur if a student repeats a course.)

• both the SGPA and the CCIPA are less than 2.00, the student shall be required to withdraw (RTW) from the

university or, if previously required to withdraw (RTW), shall be placed on extended withdrawal (EW)

/4,.

Readmission of Involuntarily Withdrawn Students

A former student who is involuntarily withdrawn from the University (required to withdraw or placed on extended

withdrawal) may apply for readmission based on performance achieved in external academic course work completed

after she/he last registered at Simon Fraser University (see below for details).

Readmission after Required to Withdraw

A former student who is required to withdraw (RTW) shall be eligible for readmission if she/he completes externally

further transferable academic work according to the following schedule (any of the following five options):

• 12-17 credit hours with a minimum

3.50

GPA

• 18-23 credit hours with a minimum 3.00 GPA

• 24-29 credit hours with a minimum

2.75

GPA or with the acceptance GPA (see

Acceptance GPA

below)

whichever is higher

• 30 or more credit hours with the acceptance GPA (see

Acceptance GPA

below)

• a completed 2 year technical diploma with a 70% minimum average and at least 12 credit hours of

transferable course work with a minimum 2.75 GPA. (The transferable work may be within the diploma

program or supplementary to it.)

Readmission

Students on Extended Withdrawal

A former student on extended withdrawal (EW) shall be eligible for readmission if she/he completes further

transferable academic work according to the following schedule (any of the following five options):

• 24-35 credit hours with a minimum 3.50 GPA

• 36-47 credit hours with a minimum 3.00 GPA

• 48-59 credit hours with a minimum 2.75 GPA or with the acceptance GPA (see

Acceptance GPA

below),

whichever is higher

• 60 or more credit hours with the acceptance GPA

• a completed two year technical diploma with a 70% minimum average and at least 24 credit hours of

transferable course work with a minimum 2.75 GPA. (The transferable work may be within the diploma

program or supplementary to it.)

Acceptance GPA

The acceptance GPA refers to the minimum admission GPA in effect for that semester for British Columbia college

transfer students, according to enrolment limitation measures. The acceptance GPA may vary.

Discussion Paper: 'Improving Retention using an Integrated, Collaborative Approach to Student Success'

Under the current policy on Academic Standing and Continuance, an undergraduate student's academic standing is evaluated upon

completion of 9 credit hours. If a student's CGPA is below 2.00, they are placed on Academic Probation. Upon completion of a

subsequent semester, regardless of the number of credits completed, a student is Required to Withdraw if their SGPA (semester

grade point average) and CGPA are both below 2.00. To be considered for readmission, students must complete transferable

courses at another post-secondary institution; readmission is based on the number of transfer credits and CGPA achieved in transfer

courses.

Background Data

Students on Academic Probation or Re

quired

to Withdraw within 2 Years ofAdmission (Admit Year-200412005)'

Admitted

OAF

% OAF

# RTW

% RTW

BC College

Transfer

% OAF

# RTW

% RTW

Dom

Intl

Dom

Intl

Dom

Intl

Dom

Intl

Dom

Intl

15.4

36.1

15.3

52%

of BC High School students with admission averages between 3.00 and

3.25

were on Academic Probation within two years of

. admission, compared to 27.7% with admission averages between

3.25

3.50

3.50

3.75.

twice as many BC College Transfer students with admission averages below 2.50 were on Academic Probation compared to those

with averages between 2.50 and

3.25.

Students with Unsatisfactor y

Academic Standin7!

OAF/CAP

% of Total

#RTW/PW

% of Total

Spring 2006 ?

Fall 2006 ?

he percentage of registered students that are RTW each term has been generally increasing since about 2000. While the percentage

is small, the increasing SFU student population translates into even larger increases in the number of RTW students. It is important

to note that the proportion of international students with unsatisfactory academic standing is higher than the proportion of domestic

students enrolled in any given term. In terms of overall numbers, it is estimated that approximately 10 to 15% of students in poor

academic standing are international students.

RTW Students OutcomeI

RTW Undergraduate Students Admitted Fall 1996 to Summer 2006

BOA%

Based on Dynamic Student Retention Reporting Tool provided by Analytical Studies

Sources: SIMS Query and Analytical Studies Enrollment Reports

Based on Academic Standing longitudinal study provided by Analytical Studies

The main demographic differences between the groups that did and did not return are:

• ?

Returners are less likely to be international students,

• returners are more likely to have been admitted to SFU from BC-12,

• and returners are more likely to have been in the Faculty of Science at RTW.

Problems with Current Practice

The intent of the current policy is to ensure that students maintain a minimum academic standard during completion of their

program. However, because it is based on a very narrow set of criteria with fixed outcomes, it does not give due consideration to

individual student situations. As such, we continue to turn away bright, capable students. It must be recognized that there are many

factors that contribute to a student's poor academic achievement, particularly in their early semesters. These include, but are not

limited to, inadequate learning and study skills, difficulty balancing work and study, transition issues, inappropriate course

load/course selection, etc. Although there are a number of resources in place at the University that provide academic and personal

support to students, they are largely uncoordinated, and under-utilized by those students who need them most.

Recommendations

In response to the growing number of students with poor academic standing, and the institutional objective to improve student

retention, we must develop proactive strategies that support student success and retention. More importantly, these should be

integrated and delivered collaboratively across the University. As part of this more progressive approach, we propose the following

mechanism for assessing academic success based on broader criteria:

All students who would normally be Required to Withdraw under the current policy should be required to enroll in a one or two-

semester 'Student Success' program which incorporates the following elements:

• a written agreement between the student, their academic advisor, and faculty designate outlining an action plan for the

student based on a student self-assessment, an advisor assessment, and any other assessment deemed appropriate (e.g.

learning specialist, counselor, etc.)

• mandatory one or two semester course designed to teach skills for academic success which incorporates learning and

writing skills, peer mentoring, on-line resources, facilitated study groups, English language resources, library skills, etc.

• utilization of prescribed resources, e.g. Health and Counselling, Student Learning Commons, SFU International, Centre

for Students with Disabilities, peer mentorship, etc.

• participation in prescribed workshops and seminars aimed at improving study skills, learning skills, time management,

etc.

• regular consultations with an assigned academic advisor who will monitor and evaluate progress, approve course

selection, make appropriate referrals, and update action plan, as necessary, in consultation with faculty designate

• where necessary, successful completion of preparatory courses, such as FAIL and FAN

• restriction on course load to 9 credits per semester

Upon completion of each term in the 'Student Success' Program, a student's academic standing will be evaluated by their advisor

and faculty designate. If the student has satisfactorily completed their action plan, then, depending on their level of academic

achievement, they will either be reinstated to their regular academic program, on Academic Probation or in Good Academic

Standing, or they will be required to enroll in the 'Student Success' Program for a subsequent semester. Details regarding minimum

GPA requirements need to be determined.

If a student is not successful at the end of their second term, then they would be required to discontinue with the current

requirements for readmission. The university policy which requires students to achieve a minimum CGPA of 2.00 for graduation

would remain in place to ensure overall academic standards are maintained.

Benefits

• Improved student success and retention rates

• Improved reputation as an institution that values their students

• Helps to establish a positive, long-term relationship between the institution and student (happy alumni)

• Integrated, collaborative approach utilizing proactive strategies maximizes University resources

• More fair assessment, based which effectively determines the student's ability to be successful

• Combining developmental academic advising, which considers the needs of the students as a whole person, with

instruction in practical study, life and learning skills equips the student with long term strategies for success

• Students continue taking regular courses while improving their grades

• Engages students in their own learning

• Proven success at another leading Canadian university, University of Alberta (averaging 60% success rate since its

inception five years ago)

A ?

Resource Requirements

A program

this

type

is resource-intensive at the front-end, but would return significant gains in retention and reputation. A

•

training program would need to be widely available to staff and faculty who will work with 'at-risk' students with this program. It is

recommended that this be considered a pilot initiative that could be implemented in phases, e.g. international students in Year 1.

The program's success would need to be regularly evaluated using identified performance indicators.

Estimated Annual Pro--ram Budget

Using an estimated number

of 250

International and Faculty

Applied Science students Required to Withdraw annually

Student Success Program?

1.0 FTh Program Coordinator

$81,661

1.0 FTE Academic Advisor

$65,524

On-line assessment tools

$3,091

1.5 FTh Learning Skills Coordinator

We will have to factor in resources required at the faculty level for additional advising

Revenue

Program Fee for 250 Students @ $250 (net)/ea

$63,750

Applied Science Contribution

$100,000

Total

$163,750

Funding request from VPA

$133,018

Anticipated Revenue from

Tuition & Fees for 250 Students

Retained

Domestic Students (125)

$372,

798

International Students (125)

51122,948

Total

$1,495,745

Currently, a significant number of these students will expend their tuition dollars at other institutions after leaving SFU. With an

estimated success rate of 60% (as per University of Alberta), we stand to retain an additional 90 international students annually. A

recent longitudinal study

academic standing undertaken by Analytical Studies shows the proportion of students returning to

complete their degrees at SFU after being Required to Withdraw is already low and is decreasing. This is likely due to many

factors, but we believe it is primarily a result of increased competition for students across the country. Given the relatively low cost

of this initiative, the potential for a significant decrease in lost tuition revenue, and a unique opportunity to improve our reputation

with our students and in the community, we recommend this proposal be considered for immediate implementation.

Submitted by Rummana Khan Heinani & Bing Lee,

Academic Advising and Student Success

Updated May 9, 2007

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STUDENT SERVICES

Academic Advising and Student Success

APPENDIX C

STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAMS - RTW PROGRAM OVERVrEW

The Student Success Program for students Required to Withdraw (RTW) offers students in academic difficulty the

opportunity to assess their academic choices, analyze their challenges, strengthen skills, and develop strategies for

future academic and personal success. The program uses a mix of individual consultations, group meetings, in-person

activities, and online learning opportunities which promote self-regulation, reflective practice, and transformative

learning.

Progmm Defined:

The RTW pilot program within the Student Success suite of programs is an academic success program offered to a

target group of students who have been Required to Withdraw (RTW).

The target group presently includes

2008 Spring, Summer and Fall RTW undergraduate students from the Faculties of Applied Science and

Science as well as international students from all faculties (pending SCUS approval). In addition,

domestic students may be subject to a minimum credit hour requirement.

The program includes the following elements:

•

a signed agreement between the student and their academic advisor outlining the expectations of the

student's participation in the program

•

two consecutive semesters

•

completing a learning assessment and a self-assessment

•

a learning plan outlining student developed goals for their program participation

•

utilization of prescribed on campus resources (e.g. Health and Counselling, Student Learning Commons,

•

Centre for Students with Disabilities)

a mandatory one semester course designed to teach skills for academic success

•

participation in prescribed workshops and seminars aimed at improving study skills, learning skills, time

management, etc.

•

regular consultations with an assigned academic advisor who will monitor and evaluate progress, and

approve course selection, in consultation with a faculty designate

•

where necessary, completion of courses such as Foundations of Academic Literacy and Foundations of

Academic Numeracy

•

restriction on course load to 9 credits per semester

Program Objectives:

University

• Short term: Academic success for participants

• Long term: Increased student retention and degree completion rates

Student

• Understanding of academic and personal goals

• Improved skills in areas identified through assessments

• Developed strategies for future academic and personal success

• Explore how their interests link to career options and academic program

• Know and access ongoing support as needed

Values/Expectations that Inform the Program Goal:

• Academic program that supports better choices and provides opportunities to develop skills

• Students are academically and personally capable of success

• Students are responsible for their own learning and are expected to be self-regulating

. ?

• While learning from past setbacks is important, the program seeks to build on success rather than focus on past

failure(s)

Revised April 22/08 ?

Student Success Programs - Phone 778-782-4143

Page 1 of 1

APPENDIX D

Student Success Program Pilot Extension - September 2008 to August 2009

The SSP pilot, an initiative for International and Faculty of Applied Sciences students who are

Required to Withdraw, was approved for a one year period, September 2007 to August 2008. The

Program is in its second semester, and the early results are promising (see attached

presentation). At this point we are recommending the pilot be extended for a one year period,

September 2008 to August 2009. Dr. Natalia Gajdamaschko, from the Faculty of Education, is

working with the Program to undertake a comprehensive program evaluation. A final report will be

presented in the Fall 2008, once the second cohort of students completes in August 2008. This

will include recommendations regarding the extended future of the Program.

During Year 2 of the pilot, the Program's curriculum and delivery will largely remain the same as

in Year 1. We will continue with two intakes: one in the Fall 2008 semester and one in the Spring

2009 semester. However, we are proposing two changes: expansion of the target groups and a

change in fee policy, so as to allow strategic growth and maximization of resources.

1. RTW Pro g ram tar

get groups

We recommend continuing with International and FAS students and adding students eligible from

the Faculty of Science. Within these parameters, the projected numbers of students in Year 2 of

the Program are as follows:

. International

102

- 57

Arts & Social Sciences

Education/Health Sciences

• Applied Sciences Domestic 96

• Science Domestic

115

Total projected intake is 313 with actual numbers being about 10% lower due to attrition.

Rationale for the Above Recommendation

The recommendation to target all International, FAS and Science students who are RTW in the

2008/9 academic year is based upon several principles. Alternative proposals were considered

(e.g. take a percentage from all faculties based upon FTE) but rejected in favour of the above as

it better met the principles upon which our recommendation rested:

• Continue the commitment to improving retention rates and academic performance of

International students (rates of unsatisfactory academic standing are almost twice those

of domestic students and attrition rates are rising).

• Capitalize on the already substantial work and support provided by FAS, including staff

and faculty commitment, by continuing to serve those students for whom this program

has already designed some tailored materials.

• Continue to work with groups that have shown early, statistically significant signs of

success. This would include International students, students with higher levels of

completed credit hours, and female students.

• Ensure total Program numbers are in the 250 range (as per budget) with no more than

300 in total.

• Try to add by Faculty (vs. program, department, school etc.) to keep consistency across

•

any given Faculty.

• Consider administrative practicalities and keep cost of selection processes to a minimum.

• Ensure those Faculties with greatest needs are addressed.

Submitted by Nancy Johnston & Rummana Khan Hemani

March 18, 2008

APPENDIX D

• Work with Faculties that have indicated keen interest in the Program and will support it

conceptually and otherwise.

• Try to provide some program benefits to as many Faculties as possible.

With these principles in mind it is proposed we continue working with all International students

(high need area, proven to be a group that has shown greater success than domestics, serves all

Faculties), continue working with FAS (resources already developed and ready for use,

relationships developed with faculty and staff that make for easier and more cost effective

delivery, recognizes FAS's significant commitment and support of pilot), and add Faculty of

Science (brings us to the optimal # of 300 without having to add "parts' of a Faculty, has highest

percentage of RTW students, already committed to the Program through Tom Archibald and

Faculty is keen on improving retention). FASS has also been VERY interested and supportive of

the Program and has a high need in terms of actual numbers but so big that it exceeds the total

numbers we can currently handle in the Program, all on its own. Our recommendation is to focus

other SSP pilot programs (e.g. undeclared student initiative, scholarship student intervention)

exclusively with FASS. This would affect over 2000 students in FASS, in addition to the

International students that are in FASS and already included in the R1W Program.

2. RTW Pro

gram Fee Change

Currently, students are charged $250 in each semester of the two semester Program. They are

eligible for a $250 tuition credit if they complete the Program, are eligible to continue at the

University (either on probation or in good standing), and enroll in a subsequent term. Going

forward we propose that the Program retain the entire $500. This allows us to extend the

Program to more students, and seems appropriate given the substantial value of the Program.

Submitted

March 18, 2008by

Nancy Johnston & Rummana Khan Hernani