In the context of online education, student support is crucial for fostering academic success and engagement. In the ever-changing environment of online Science and Math courses faculty often face challenges with low performance and participation, particularly among early program students taking the courses in an eight-week format. We evaluated weekly data of at-risk students through heat maps and identified the weeks with the highest withdrawal rates in all general education courses. This data led us to the question: How do we prevent students from attrition during these specific weeks? Utilizing this data an innovative strategy of proactive outreach was developed to help us improve student engagement and success. This transformative approach of using proactive outreach, contrasted with the traditional reactive responses, has given us some positive preliminary results. We have created proactive outreach best practices where, at the beginning of each term, faculty members initiate outreach to students, which serves as the foundation for building professional relationships. This initial contact, whether through a phone call or email, is perceived by students as a gesture of care and support rather than a disciplinary action. Following this initial outreach, faculty continue to engage with students through regular communication. This includes the use of video-based announcements and video or audio-based feedback on assignments in the gradebook. This level of personal interaction allows for a fostering of the professional relationship to be continued to be seen as a relationship of care. Consistent interaction has led to noticeable improvements in both assignment submissions and exam performance. By creating a supportive and proactive environment, students feel more connected and motivated to succeed academically.

Through this interactive session we will help participants envision heat maps (using ideas like when are exams due, financial   for courses at different institutions, identify the reasons for low student engagement, what is the current practice and finally what are some ideas on proactive approaches in each case.

Group Formation:

1.              As a whole group, begin the conversation on what does proactive outreach mean to them?

2.              Divide into small groups (4-5 members each).

3.              Assign each group a specific week/ time with high withdrawal rates that is observed at each institute.

Let’s analyze:

1.              Ask groups to analyze the data and identify common challenges faced by students during that week.

2.              Identify the current approaches to address low student engagement

Strategy Development

1.              Each group brainstorms proactive support strategies to address the identified challenges.

2.              Encourage groups to think creatively and consider various forms of outreach (e.g., personalized emails, virtual office hours, peer mentoring).

Discussion

1.              Groups share their strategies with the class.

2.              Discuss the potential impact of these strategies on student engagement and success.

3.              Facilitate a class discussion on the effectiveness of the proposed strategies.

 This activity will showcase how a proactive approach supports student success within online learning environments. Traditionally, programs respond reactively to student issues, addressing them as they arise, often through email. Proactive support involves anticipating student needs and addressing potential challenges before they become obstacles.

In our program, an early implementation of proactive student support initiative was launched to enhance promoting student retention, satisfaction, and overall learning outcomes. The support model that is being developed requires administration and faculty to—

• Identify at-risk students before the course begins.
• Personally invite students to Live Lectures, Class Hours and Tutoring Sessions.
• Create Call-Lists to outreach students to make a personal connection and create immediate action plans.

The intentional proactive intervention examples are timeliness of feedback, personalized resources, early identification of at-risk students, and different outreach strategies. We are hoping to identify and cater to individual student needs to enhance the online learning experience and foster a more inclusive, supportive academic environment.