We are excited to introduce a new web-based tool called the Student Success Network or by its brand name, Starfish CONNECT™. This tool will enhance communication between and among students and their instructors, advisors, and support services. Our goal is to improve student support and services by having more integrated and efficient ways to track academic progress, flag concerns, and connect students with services they may need.

This tool is already used by more than 130 colleges and universities. Here are some things you can do with it:

• Post your appointment times, including preferences regarding appointment lengths, drop-in hours, etc.. This will make it easier for your students to consult with you.
• See personal profiles and academic records for the students you teach and advise, as needed.
• Record attendance and get automatic alerts if a student's attendance becomes a matter of concern.
• Efficiently refer individual students for advising, tutoring, health or counseling services, etc., and track their follow-up.
• Record meeting notes, milestones, and progress reports for individual students.
• Connect and coordinate with academic advisors and university support services.
• Flag individual students for issues other than attendance that may require attention. Note: This last option will be phased in. Currently, it is available only to NSPE School of Undergraduate Studies faculty advisors and Parsons instructors of first year courses.

The Student Success Network is up-and-running now. I encourage you to log on, set up your profile, and get started. The usefulness of this tool is dependent, to a large extent, on the faculty members, advisors, and students who use it. Log in through the button to the right. Getting up to speed requires a minimal investment of time, which will save you time by streamlining and optimizing your efforts on behalf of your students.

Bringing the Student Success Network to The New School has required a major effort on the part of many individuals, including advisors, IT staff, Student Services, and faculty members who reviewed and provided feedback along the way. Among them, I would call out Liz Ross and Jennifer Francone in the Provost's Office and the core implementation team: Antoinette Curl, Parsons; Chrissy Roden, NSPE; Jonathan White, Lang; Jason Luchs, Student Services; Marcus Longmuir, IT; and Alla Finkelbeg, IT. They all are invested in the success of Starfish, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions and concerns.