Dean of Students

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WHAT TO DO IF A STUDENT STOPS ATTENDING CLASS

Each semester it seems that a few students stop coming to class.  Sometimes these are students who have been disengaged and doing poorly from the start.  Other times these are students who have been actively engaged in class and doing well.  In some cases, the student may actually have talked with the faculty member about personal issues that are causing distress.  In all of these cases, the student is at risk for failure and/or for dropping out of school.

Faculty interaction with students is one of the most important ingredients in student retention, and Academic Affairs and Student Affairs encourages you to take active steps when you notice that a student is no longer attending class.  In almost all cases, students appreciate the fact that the faculty member or academic staff member cares enough about them to get involved.  What specifically can you as a faculty member do to intervene?

Listed below are some of the ways you can intervene with students about whom you are concerned.

v  Try to contact the student directly through email or telephone   Let the student know that you noticed their absence and that you are concerned.  Ask the student if there is a problem with which you or someone else can help.

v  Contact the student’s adviser.  The adviser may have a closer relationship with the student and may be able to contact the student in one of the ways mentioned above.  The adviser’s name can be obtained from the Registration and Records office (x4301).

v  Contact the student’s Residence Hall Director if they are a freshman or sophomore and living on campus.  The Residence Hall Director can visit the student’s room and may also find your information helpful in the context of other concerns that may have arisen.  Names and phone numbers of students and the Residence Hall Directors are listed in the UW-Stevens Point Campus Directory.

v  Contact the Dean of Students Office (x2611) if the student is living off campus.  Our office may find your information helpful in the context of other concerns or report that may have arisen and be known to our office.