UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Starfish midsemester progress surveys launched Feb. 23 and remain open until March 18. During this period, instructors and teaching assistants formally listed as instructors of record in LionPATH will receive emails prompting them to complete progress surveys for their full-semester undergraduate courses numbered 499 and below.
Progress surveys can be completed by clicking the survey link in the email or under “Outstanding Surveys” in the Starfish dashboard, selecting feedback options for each student and, if desired, providing written comments. Instructors can raise a flag, give kudos or recommend a student “to-do.”
Although thoughtfully assessing and sharing students’ course progress takes time, Starfish progress surveys remain one of the most efficient ways to communicate kudos and concerns to students, their academic advisers and others available to support them. Progress surveys are timed to align with key points in the academic calendar so students can make informed decisions about their learning strategies and course enrollment.
In addition to progress surveys, instructors and teaching assistants have other options for sharing student progress in Starfish, even outside of survey periods. These options may be better for those needing to share progress only for select students or for a large class already using Canvas.
Students are encouraged to track their own progress in each course. The absence of progress survey information should not be interpreted as the absence of concern or a need for change.
How academic advisers and others respond to progress surveys
The support network activated by progress surveys in Starfish includes academic advisers, who follow up on instructors’ concerns and requests for adviser assistance by reaching out to students and closing the loop on flags and to-dos. The Starfish Success Network also extends beyond advisers. Multiple Penn State roles and services have access to progress survey information and uses it to provide proactive, informed support to students.
How students can respond to flags and to-dos
Students who receive a flag or to-do should contact their instructor or academic adviser for guidance on improving their coursework. They also may seek tutoring or use suggested resources and services, including academic coaching or other earning support, disability services, basic needs support or personal support through University Health Services or Counseling and Psychological Services. The Division of Undergraduate Studies offers a video tutorial to help students find Penn State support services and use the Starfish dashboard and profile.
The Division of Undergraduate Studies is the second-largest unit of enrollment at Penn State and leads academic advising across the University. It is part of Penn State Undergraduate Education.