P.A.W.S.

Navigating the path to student success
A project by Team Green for the Computer Science Department at Old Dominion University .

The Problem


Problem Statement

Students come into college with varying levels of preparation and knowledge thus challenging advisors to help each student be successful and better prepared for their future. In order for students to be successful in college, it is important for students to be aware of the different resources available for them.


Problem Characteristics

  • Students come into college with varying levels of preparation, which can complicate their ability to plan their academic goals and objectives
  • Advisors are challenged to prepare individualized plans for each student
  • There are resources and opportunities available in the world students may not be aware of that can get them out of their comfort zone and provide knowledge
  • For students to be successful in college, they need to be able to:
    • Establish their objectives
    • Seek advice when needed
    • Take advantage of available resources and opportunities
    • Reflect on their achievement

Challenges The University Faces

  • Need a more effective way to reach out and connect to students
  • Challenged to determine what is best for a diverse student body
  • Face the challenges of helping students to understand what they need and why
  • ODU currently has no direct way to see feedback or analytics on whether or how resources are being used

Our Solution


Solution Statement

Planning Ahead, Advising, Worldliness, and Success (P.A.W.S.) is an online personal student navigational tool that will help guide college students throughout their semesters. P.A.W.S. aims to keep students informed about opportunities and important steps they must take to graduate and be successful in their academic career. The application will also assist the University advisors, making it easier for them to assist and provide opportunities for their students.


Solution Characteristics

Each paw represents a student’s semester, becoming green after a successful semester. A new one is added if the student is enrolled for the next semester.

Planning Ahead

Encourages students to plan their semesters:

  • Provides students checklists to set their goals
  • Makes students aware of prerequisites of classes
  • Provides resources for problems that students may encounter
  • Begin preparing for the next semester and future advising

Advising

Directs students to university resources and information:

  • Links to advisors and appointment scheduling
  • Guides students towards services such as tutoring
  • Have important information easily accessible to students, such as Grade Forgiveness

Worldliness

Provides students with academic and career opportunities:

  • Connects students with professionals and mentors
  • Feed where students can view announcements from Faculty and Staff
  • Notifications of any opportunities students are interested in
  • Promotion of events such as colloquia, clubs, and organizations in the feed

Success

Gives students time to reflect and build upon their semester:

  • Review the checklist to identify if they accomplished their goals
  • Surveys that ask: What did I do well? What could I have done better?
  • Students can view data and assessments in “S” from previous paws