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