UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — From Jan. 27 to Feb. 5, instructors will have the opportunity to offer vital early feedback to undergraduate students and their support networks through the Starfish early indicators progress survey.
Completing Starfish progress surveys during the designated survey periods is one of the simplest and most effective ways to share insights on student progress and, when needed, activate a broader support network. The surveys are part of two campaigns held each semester to promote proactive action and reinforce instructors' recommendations.
The information provided through these surveys helps address course-specific challenges or identifies broader concerns, such as access to technology, transportation or course materials, before students fall too far behind.
Beginning Jan. 27, instructors and teaching assistants listed as instructors of record in LionPATH will receive an email inviting them to complete progress surveys for their full-semester undergraduate courses numbered 499 and below. The surveys can be completed by clicking the provided link, selecting options for each student, and including written comments, if desired.
Instructors can raise flags, offer kudos or recommend specific actions for students to take. Academic advisers will follow up on flagged concerns, reach out to students, and close the loop on recommendations to help provide effective support.
The mid-semester progress surveys will be open from Feb. 24 to March 19.
How to provide Starfish information outside of progress survey periods
Instructors and teaching assistants have other options for sharing student progress in Starfish, including ones that may be better for those needing to share progress for select students outside of survey periods or for a large class using Canvas Grades.
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.