Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to the field of increasing retention rates in an educational institution while significantly improving the educational experience of its students. More particularly, the present invention provides means for proactively identifying students in need, whether the need is emotional, physical, spiritual, or scholastic, and providing an avenue to assist those students.

Description:
[0001]    This is a continuation application of Ser. No. 12/173,904 filed Jul. 16, 2008 a nonprovisional application claiming priority to provisional application Ser. No. 60/951,490 filed Jul. 24, 2007 and claims all benefits and rights thereto. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of increasing retention rates in an educational institution while significantly improving the educational experience of its students. More particularly, the present invention provides means for proactively identifying students in need, whether the need is emotional, physical, spiritual, or scholastic, and providing an avenue to assist those students. 
         [0003]    Retention rate has been defined by the federal government and is required to be reported on an annual basis by educational institutions. As defined, “program retention” tracks the full-time student in a degree program over time to determine whether the student has completed the program. Retention rate is an important statistic for educational institutions, from both a financial and emotional perspective. Retention rates are viewed by prospective students and their parents and a low retention rate will likely lead to the educational institution as being viewed as less desirable, and may even affect the institution&#39;s ranking, leading to a decrease in the applicant pool. Moreover, when a student discontinues his or her studies, the educational institution suffers a large financial loss in terms of future tuition payments as well as potential financial contributions as an alumnus. Other reasons educational institutions are so interested in improving retention rates include the prevention of loss for the student as a member of society in development of critical thinking skills, preparation of the student for the working environment, and increasing the student&#39;s tolerance of individual differences. It is also important to note, that as a student progresses in his or her studies, the community within the educational institution becomes invested in each student, hoping to nurture the student not only academically, but personally as they accomplish their educational goals. When a student discontinues his or her studies, this investment is lost. 
         [0004]    Once a student is in struggle, unless identified and resolved, the student may suffer poor performance in his or her studies or a lack of interest in progressing at the institution. If unresolved, the student may terminate his or her studies at that institution. Where the student&#39;s needs can be identified and assisted at the onset of such an issue, before those needs lead to a decrease in performance, the likelihood that the student will terminate his or her studies decreases significantly. This results in an increased retention rate for the educational institution and a correlative increase in desirability of the institution by prospective students. It also results in a happier student and academic community as a whole. Moreover, as distinguished from present retention systems, a system that addresses non-academic, as well as academic needs of the student is necessary to attain the highest retention rate achievable by the educational institution. See Levitz, Highlights from 4 Institutions Getting Results, Spring 1998, Strategies, pg. 157. It also results in a happier student and academic community. 
         [0005]    The dilemma presented is that many students in the midst of struggle are unaware of the resources available to them. “Institutions need to take these initiatives, rather than expecting the student to take them, because many students are not in a position to commit themselves fully to or even understand the many and right resources of the institution and their accompanying benefits.” Levitz &amp; Noel, 1999, pg. 127. 
         [0006]    The correlation between the ability to identify a student in need and increased retention is not novel. There have been many theories proposed on the main causes of retention of students in an educational institution. Most relevant, in 1971 the Spady Model was introduced stating that the interaction between student characteristics and campus environment play a large role in student retention. Braxton &amp; Hirschy (2005). Theoretical Developments in the study of college student departure. In Siedman, A. (Ed.). College student retention: Formula for student success. Praeger Press. Since then, one scholar has turned retention success into a mathematical formula. Dr. Alan Seidman&#39;s formula proposes that: retention=early identification+(early+intensive+continuous) intervention. Id. Dr. Seidman&#39;s formula has been implemented in different forms at various educational institutions. The student provides information to the educational institution through a written or computerized assessment; the institution receives those assessments and determines whether the student is in need. Moreover such assistance to a student identified by such programs is generally limited to academic needs. Other programs use the financial aid office of the institution as a source of student information that may be used in determining whether the student is in a class of students that are at a higher risk of having special needs such as adults and distance learning students. A representative program in place at Old Dominion University evaluates high school GPA and SAT scores to create an index used to identify at-risk first-year students before they begin their first semester and offers them assistance before they encounter difficulty. 
         [0007]    The University of Arizona, however, has adopted and implemented a program called “Success Net” wherein instructors of freshmen students in their first semester are able to identify students in need to the student&#39;s faculty advisor through a referral network. While such a system has been effective for the University in improving retention rates, its focus on freshmen students and faculty for the identification of students in need is narrow and its implementation is inefficient. Moreover referral to the student&#39;s faculty advisor may well foreclose resolution of issues outside of academia. 
         [0008]    Past systems implemented by educational institutions for the purpose of increasing retention rates systems have focused primarily on either monitoring student performance by the grades received in their courses of study or in assessments taken as the student enters the educational institution. Other systems give advice to students in need via computer dialog or otherwise. Thus, it is desirable to establish a system that is efficient in identifying students in need at any time during their educational studies, communicating those needs to persons with the ability to provide assistance, and addressing the needs of that student at the earliest possible stage. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    An embodiment of the present invention is a system and method that improves student retention and student life by providing a proactive method of identifying students in need at any early stage and connecting them to an appropriate resource in a supportive environment. In this embodiment of the present invention a means for students/peers, parents, staff, faculty, and other persons with a relationship to the student to play an active role in the identification and resolution of a student&#39;s needs are provided. To ensure that students do not struggle alone, and are aware of the supportive network around them, the present invention provides a structured opportunity for such persons with a relationship to the student to build a partnership with the educational institution for the benefit of the student in need. By allowing participation by many different groups within the educational institution environment and otherwise, student needs that fall into a wide variety of categories may be addressed. 
         [0010]    In this embodiment of the present invention, the student is referred to the system by faculty, staff, parents, students/peers, or any other person with a relationship to the student. The system then allows that student to be directed to an appropriate resource so that there is the opportunity for resolution of the issue. Because the present invention in one embodiment may be virtually paperless, the period of time from which a student in need is identified, to that student receiving assistance is minimal, thus providing the student with the confidence that his or her issue is important. This leads to an increased chance of resolution. 
         [0011]    Through the personal contact afforded by the system, the student is made aware of the support network around him or her. With this awareness and through the connections to caring persons made through the system, the student&#39;s quality of life at the educational institution may be improved. An improved outlook and quality of life for the student increases that student&#39;s likelihood of continuing his or her studies at that educational institution. An improved quality of life for the student thereby has the effect of increasing retention rates at the educational institution. Such increases have been observed and recorded by one institution implementing the system. [ FIGS. 18-21 ] 
         [0012]    Moreover, in this embodiment of the present invention the system provides a means for faculty and staff at the educational institution to be supported in their efforts when they intervene to assist a student. Support is given in various forms such as feedback at the referral stage, and notification of a student in need&#39;s progress through the system. This has the effect of increasing the likelihood that faculty and staff will identify a student that is in need. This increased likelihood of intervention is especially important because a student, in most cases, has weekly or even daily interactions with such personnel. 
         [0013]    Additionally, it is an aspect of the present invention in one embodiment that various metrics regarding counselor efficacy, retention of students using the present invention versus those not using the system, frequency of specific issues arising in the student body and being brought into the system, and resolution frequency may be accessed at any time by specific members of the educational institution. Such access to metrics allows the present invention to evolve to be more efficient as it is used at the educational institution. Moreover, such metrics provide the educational institution with real-time statistics of retention rate change as a direct result of the present invention. 
         [0014]    It is therefore an aspect of the present invention to provide means for faculty, staff, parents, student/peers, and/or other persons with a relationship to a student to alert the educational institution of a student&#39;s needs. 
         [0015]    It is another aspect of the present invention to proactively identify student needs that may be referred to an individual or group of individuals that may assess and address the student&#39;s needs. 
         [0016]    It is still another aspect of the present invention to build a relationship between the student and individuals who are capable of addressing student needs, and where appropriate, refer the student to specialized individuals for the resolution of those needs. 
         [0017]    It is an aspect of the present invention to allow for the utilization of software and network interfaces to allow for immediate notification of student needs, and gathering of student information. 
         [0018]    It is still another aspect of the present invention to allow for a system utilizing software to streamline information gathering from instructors and persons who are in contact with the student and general information about the student. 
         [0019]    It is another aspect of the present invention to address student needs in a timely manner at any point during the course of the student&#39;s educational experience at the institution. 
         [0020]    It is still another aspect of the present invention to retain information about the student and the issue within the system for future use, should the student have new needs arise. 
         [0021]    It is yet another aspect of the present invention to make accessible to the educational institution metrics regarding the system, including: efficacy of counselors, frequency of specific issues, frequency of resolution, and retention rate increases. 
         [0022]    These aspects and other embodiments will be come apparent by reference to the drawings and the descriptions that follow. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of the general scheme of proactively identifying and addressing student needs. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  illustrates the referral process by a person with a relationship to the student who is also a member of the educational institution, such as faculty, staff, or a student/peer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  illustrates the referral of the student to the system by a person with a relationship to the student outside of the educational institution, such as a parent or peer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3   a  illustrates an exemplary referral form to be used by persons within the educational institution to identify student needs according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  illustrates the process of the SOS coordinator choosing either to accept or reject a referral, where accepted the student is assigned a counselor according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary counselor contact process wherein the student is contacted via email according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  illustrates a flow diagram of potential student response to receiving an e-mail or phone call from the counselor according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary face-to-face meeting between the counselor and the student according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary initiation of the audit process sent to the student&#39;s instructors at the institution by the counselor according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary faculty response to the audit request sent by the counselor according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary process of sending a progress report regarding the student by the counselor to a member of the Circle of Care according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary faculty or other member in the Circle of Care receiving the progress report according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 12  illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary record note or contact made in the student&#39;s file while part of the system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 13  illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary e-mail sent to a Circle of Care member by the counselor according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 14  illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary referral process with support network of the student by the counselor according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 15  illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary close case process at resolution of the student&#39;s needs according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 16  illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary change status process for use by the student&#39;s counselor according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 17  illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary process for changing counselors for use by the counselor according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 18  illustrates a process of an authorized person at the educational system using the system software to access metrics regarding the present invention according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 19  illustrates the chart indicating an increase in the retention rate of freshman who used the present invention and had their issue resolved according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 20  illustrates the impact of resolution of student issues on retention rate of an educational institution&#39;s student body where the present invention is implemented according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 21  illustrates the impact of resolution of student issues on retention rate of an educational institution&#39;s student body, separated by year of instruction, where the present invention is implemented according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 22  illustrates the impact of resolution of student issues on retention rate of an educational institution&#39;s student body, separated into freshmen and the entire student body, where the present invention is implemented according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0046]    Objectives and various embodiments of the present invention are described in the detailed discussion that follows. 
       DEFINITIONS 
       [0047]    “Audit” is a means by which a counselor asks a student&#39;s instructor for information regarding the student&#39;s class attendance, performance, or any other behavior that the instructor would deem pertinent. 
         [0048]    “Circle of Care” refers to persons who have referred the student to the system or whom have been contacted to give information about the student and have indicated that they are interested in monitoring the student&#39;s progress. 
         [0049]    A “counselor” is someone who is either licensed in the field of counseling or is seeking to be licensed and is supervised by a licensed professional in the field of counseling. 
         [0050]    The “Save Our Students” system describes the general process of identifying a student in need, gathering information regarding the student and his or her need, and addressing the need. 
       Overview 
       [0051]    In an embodiment of the present invention, a system and method for proactively identifying students in need, whether it is emotional, physical, spiritual, or scholastic, and providing an avenue to assist those students is provided. In this embodiment of the present invention, faculty, staff, parents, students/peers, and other persons with a relationship to the student interact with the educational institution via a network interface or by another appropriate means such as telephone, e-mail, or personal contact to identify a student in need to the educational institution. Persons making such a referral are referred to as being in the student&#39;s “Circle of Care” network. The interaction between the student, his or her Circle of Care, and the institution evolves through various stages. 
         [0052]    In another embodiment of the present invention, a system and method for proactively identifying students in need, and providing assistance comprises the student being identified and brought into the “Save Our Students” (SOS) system. In this embodiment the student is identified by a referral sent to the SOS system coordinator. In one embodiment the referral is accepted by the coordinator into the system, a file is created for the student, and a counselor is assigned to the student. 
         [0053]    In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a system and method for proactively identifying students in need, and providing assistance comprising a counselor initiating contact with the student for the purposes of assessing the students needs. Means for initiating contact include, but are not limited to: telephone, postcard, e-mail, voicemail, and direct in-person contact. In this embodiment if contact is accomplished, the counselor may indicate as such in the student&#39;s SOS system file. Furthermore, in this embodiment where contact is made, the counselor will set up a time to have a student interview to assess the student needs. 
         [0054]    In still another embodiment of the present invention, a system and method for proactively identifying students in need, and providing assistance comprising the counselor initiating an audit, which seeks information about the student from the student&#39;s instructors. Means for efficiently sending a request to each instructor via e-mail is provided, although contact with an instructor may be accomplished by other similar means, including but not limited to telephone, or in-person contact. 
         [0055]    In a further embodiment of the present invention, a system and method for proactively identifying students in need, and providing assistance comprising the counselor reviewing all information gathered on the student, assessing the student&#39;s needs with the student, and determining an appropriate course of action. In this embodiment an appropriate course of action may include but is not limited to doing nothing as the student does not need assistance, or to refer the student to another individual specialized in helping students with such needs. 
         [0056]    In a further embodiment of the present invention, a system and method for proactively identifying students in need, and providing assistance comprising the counselor closing the student&#39;s SOS system file where the student&#39;s needs have been addressed. In this embodiment, closing the file does not serve to delete the file entirely from the software, but will store information such as the case notes for potential future referrals of that student to the SOS system at another time. 
         [0057]    In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a system and method for proactively identifying students in need, and providing assistance comprising an authorized member of the educational institution using the software system to access various metrics of the present invention. In this embodiment such metrics include, but are not limited too: efficacy of specific counselors, frequency of specific issues being brought to the system, resolution frequency, affect of resolution on retention rates, affect of being in the system on retention rates, and the direct impact of the present invention on retention rates at the educational institution as a whole. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0058]      FIG. 1  illustrates the general scheme of the system. In one embodiment of the present invention, the student  101  is referred to the SOS system by a student/peer  102 , parent  103 , faculty  105 , staff  104 , or other person with a relationship to the student  106 . Such a referral is received by the SOS program coordinator  107 . In this embodiment, the program coordinator accepts the referral, and assigns the student a counselor  108 . Where appropriate, feedback is sent to the individual referring the student to the SOS system  110 . In this embodiment the counselor then contacts the student and discusses the issue  109 . The counselor may also contact the student&#39;s instructors  111  or other persons willing to give information about the student pertinent to resolving the issue  112 . In this embodiment, once the counselor has sufficiently gathered information regarding the student and assessed the student&#39;s needs, the counselor may refer the student to a resource for resolution of the issue  113 . 
         [0059]    By way of illustration and not as a limitation, the relationship between the institution and the student in need starts with the initial contact stage wherein the student is referred to the SOS system, either through a network interface [ FIG. 2 ] or by other suitable means [ FIG. 3 ] (such as telephone). In one embodiment using a network interface, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the person referring the student decides to refer the student  201 , logs into the institutions network  202 , and opens the referral form  203 . The person fills out the form  204  and submits it to the SOS system. Upon submission, the referral is stored  205 , and the person is returned to their home page  206 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 3  illustrates the process of making a referral without using the educational institution&#39;s network interface. In this embodiment the person decides to refer the student  301 , and contacts the institution  302 . The information is received by an individual at the institution and manually input into the referral form  303 . At this point the referral is submitted  304 . As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, other forms of making a referral to the institution may be established without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0061]    An exemplary referral form is provided in  FIG. 3   a . Here the student and the type of need the student is experiencing are identified. Some types of needs that may be identified include, but are not limited to; (1) academic issues, such as: grades, homework, attendance, transferring/withdrawing, (2) physical/mental health issues: illness, need of encouragement, adjustment/personal issues, test anxiety, (3) major/career issues: undecided major, unsuitable major, internship or practicum placement issues, (4) other issues: crisis at home, financial, residential, chapel attendance, as well as allowing the referring person to identify any other issues the student may be experiencing. The referring individual may also include whether they have contacted the student about the issue before making the referral. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, other such forms may sufficiently indicate the student needs to the institution without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0062]      FIG. 4  illustrates the acceptance or rejection of the referral, once a referral is submitted through the university network according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the referral is received by the SOS system coordinator  401 , who reviews the referral and determines whether or not the referral is appropriate. In one embodiment, if the referral is not appropriate it is rejected  403 . After rejection, feedback  406  will be given to the person making the referral and any other persons in the student&#39;s Circle of Care  407  notifying them that the referral was rejected. In another embodiment, if appropriate, the referral is accepted  402  into the SOS system. Upon acceptance, the student is assigned a counselor  404  by the SOS coordinator. Additionally, in this embodiment after acceptance a confirmation email is sent  405  as well as feedback  406  to the person making the referral and to other designated Circle of Care members  407 . The feedback  406  transmission notifies such persons that they will be updated on the student&#39;s progress in through the SOS system when appropriate. In one embodiment the feedback transmission  406  includes a means to access a designated area in the network that indicates the student&#39;s progress in the system. 
         [0063]    In one embodiment, when the student is accepted into the system, a file in the SOS system software is created for the student. The file created includes the student&#39;s name, the student&#39;s identification number, contact information, the student&#39;s parent information, if applicable, and the course of study. In one embodiment such information is automatically gathered from software already in use by the educational institution for the purposes of storing such information. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, other forms of determining acceptance into the system and creating a student file may be established without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0064]    In another embodiment, the student may be assigned a “coach” who is someone outside of the educational institution&#39;s counseling services but is an appropriate individual to assess and address the student&#39;s needs. In yet another embodiment, the student may be assigned a counselor outside of the educational institution altogether. In still another embodiment the counselor is an employee of the educational institution. 
         [0065]    In an embodiment of the present invention, the counselor will then initiate contact with the student. In one embodiment the student is contacted by the counselor via e-mail,  FIG. 5 . In this embodiment the counselor opens his or her e-mail  501 , then chooses an e-mail template  502 , and personalizes the e-mail  503 . In this embodiment, templates provided by the SOS software system cover a variety of general transmissions that are used to initiate contact based on the perceived student need. After the e-mail is personalized  503 , it is sent to the student  504 . By sending the e-mail, an automatic log entry  508  is made into the student&#39;s SOS system file. At this point the counselor will determine whether to send feedback to the referral source and to selected Circle of Care members letting them know that the counselor has attempted to contact the student. Feedback transmission may either be confirmed  509 , in which case the referral source and selected Circle of Care members will receive feedback  510 , or not confirmed  511  in which case no feedback is sent. Once the student receives the e-mail  505 , he or she may choose to respond  506  or ignore  507  the counselor&#39;s e-mail. 
         [0066]    In another embodiment of the present invention, the student is contacted via telephone or voicemail. If unavailable by this method, the counselor may contact the student via electronic mail [ FIG. 5 ], in-person, perhaps with the assistance of other personnel at the institution, such as a resident advisor, or any other available method. Such attempts to contact the student and the contact itself are logged into the student&#39;s file within the SOS system. However, it is important to note that entries describing contact are edited so that the confidentiality rights of the student are not compromised. If all attempts to contact the student fail, there is no resolution of the student&#39;s file. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, other forms of contacting the student may be established without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0067]    Once contacted, the student may respond in various ways according to one embodiment and illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Once the student views the e-mail from the counselor  601 , the student may either ignore the e-mail  602 , or respond  603 . The response  603 , may take various forms; including, but not limited to e-mail  604 , visiting the counselor&#39;s office  605 , or telephoning the counselor  606 . Where student chooses to return the counselor&#39;s e-mail with an e-mail  604 , the counselor will then view the e-mail  607 , and create a log entry into the student&#39;s SOS system file  608 . The counselor then will determine whether to send feedback to the referral source and selected Circle of Care members stating that the student has contacted the counselor  609 . If the student decides to respond to the counselor&#39;s initial contact by visiting the counselor&#39;s office  605 , the counselor or other staff will assist the student  610  in either making an appointment  612  if the counselor is unavailable at the time, or having a meeting with the counselor  613 , if the counselor is available. In either case a log entry will be created  608 . The counselor then will determine whether to send feedback to the referral source and selected Circle of Care members stating that the student has contacted the counselor  609 . Thirdly, if the student decides to respond to the counselor&#39;s initial contact by telephoning the counselor  611 , the call will be received by the counselor or other staff, at which point either a future appointment may be made  614 , if the counselor is unavailable or busy, the counselor may receive the phone call and discuss the issue with the student  615 , or the student may leave a message with the counselor via voicemail  616 . In any case, a record of the student&#39;s phone call will be made by the counselor creating a log entry  608 . Again, the counselor then will determine whether to send feedback to the referral source and selected Circle of Care members stating that the student has contacted the counselor  609 . Other methods of returning contact with the counselor by the student may be established without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0068]    In one embodiment it is optimal for the student and the counselor to meet in-person to discuss the student&#39;s issues. In another embodiment the student interview may be conducted in an otherwise appropriate manner. A face-to-face meeting or “student interview” is described in  FIG. 7 . By means of illustration and not limitation, first the student decides whether to meet with the SOS counselor  701 . The student may decide not to meet with the counselor  702 , in which case the issue will not be resolved. Where the student decides to meet with the counselor  703 , at such a meeting there is a rapport building stage  704  where the counselor engages in active listening, supporting, encouraging, getting to know the student, building a trusting relationship and offering assistance with the presented issue. After a rapport is built, the counselor and student may collaboratively make a decision on an appropriate course of action  705 . The occurrence of such a meeting is logged into the student&#39;s SOS system file  706  noting the time and place of the meeting, how long the student and counselor met and the outcome of the meeting. At this time feedback  707  may be sent to the referral source and selected members of the student&#39;s Circle of Care  708  giving a means to view general information regarding the meeting. 
         [0069]    In an embodiment of the present invention, where appropriate, the counselor may initiate an audit as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . An audit comprises contacting the student&#39;s instructors and asking for feedback on the student&#39;s performance, attendance and behavior in their courses. In this embodiment, when the counselor decides to audit the student  801 , the counselor logs into the SOS system and clicks on the “initiate audit” link  802 . This allows the SOS system software to find the student&#39;s Circle of Care, which includes the student&#39;s current instructors and a request audit form will appear  803  &amp;  804 . The counselor may decide to continue initiating the audit by clicking okay  806 , or cancel the request  805 . If the request is cancelled, the counselor will be returned to the student&#39;s SOS system page  807 . If the counselor decides to continue to initiate the audit and clicks okay  806 , then the record requests are sent to the student&#39;s instructors  808 . After the requests are sent, a log entry in the student&#39;s SOS system file is created  809 , and an e-mail notifying Circle of Care members that the audit was initiated may be sent  810 . In another embodiment an audit may be conducted by suitable methods other than electronic mail. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, other forms of contacting the student may be established without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0070]    In one embodiment the student&#39;s instructors may respond to the audit using the institution&#39;s network interface. In another embodiment the instructor may respond to the audit by other suitable means. Where the instructor responds to the request using the network interface, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the instructor first decides to respond  901 . On deciding to respond, the instructor clicks on a link within the e-mail sent from the counselor  902 , and accesses the audit form  903 . The instructor inputs pertinent student information  904 . The form also gives the instructor the option to be included in receiving information on the student as they move through the system. If the instructor affirmatively indicates as such, he or she will be added to the student&#39;s Circle of Care. Once the form is complete, or at any other time, the instructor may cancel out of the form  905  and be returned to his or her faculty home page  907 . If the instructor intends to submit the form, he or she will click okay  906  and the audit response will be stored into the student&#39;s SOS system file  908 . Upon submission the instructor will be returned to his or her faculty home page  907 . Audit information is received by the counselor from the instructors through the SOS software system. The counselor, now with a holistic picture of the student&#39;s situation, may then again assess the student&#39;s particular needs in resolving the issue. 
         [0071]      FIG. 10  illustrates the process of sending a progress report in one embodiment of the present invention. Progress reports may be sent by the counselor to members of the student&#39;s Circle of Care periodically when deemed appropriate by the counselor. In this embodiment of the present invention, when the counselor decides to send such a progress report  1001 , the counselor using the network interface, may click on a “report progress” link within the SOS software system  1002 , this will allow the counselor access to the report progress form  1003 . The counselor will then input information into the form  1004 , at which point the counselor may either cancel  1005  or continue  1006  submitting the form. The information that is put into the form will be screened to maintain the confidentiality interests of the student. If the counselor indicates that he or she would like to continue with the progress report, the software will retrieve the Circle of Care member&#39;s information  1007 , and an e-mail form  1008  will appear for the counselor to fill out. Again, at this point the counselor may either cancel the process  1009 , in which case he or she will be returned to the student&#39;s SOS page  1011 . If the counselor continues with the progress report  1010  an e-mail is drafted to the Circle of Care members  1012 . This drafted e-mail may either be canceled  1013 , or sent  1014 . In either case, the counselor is returned to the student&#39;s SOS page  1011 . Where an e-mail is sent  1016 , a log entry in the student&#39;s SOS system file is created  1015 . In another embodiment of the invention, a progress report may be given to a member of the student&#39;s Circle of Care by any other means, such as telephone or postcard. Other methods of transmitting information regarding the progress of the student within the SOS system may be established without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0072]    Upon receiving a progress report, a faculty or staff or student at the institution may respond in various ways as illustrated by  FIG. 11 . By way of illustration and not of limitation, where the individual decides view the report  1101 , the individual clicks on the e-mail link,  1102 , and authenticates his or her session on the network  1103 . Once authenticated, the individual may view the report  1104 . 
         [0073]    In one embodiment the counselor may create a record note or contact in the student&#39;s SOS system file as illustrated by  FIG. 12 . In this embodiment, when the counselor attempts to contact the student  1201 , the counselor may enter the network system and click on a link to “create contact/note”  1202 . At this time the record contact/note form  1203  will appear. The counselor may cancel  1204  the action, at which time he or she will be returned to the student&#39;s SOS page  1207 . If the counselor okays the transaction  1205 , a log entry will be created  1206 , and the counselor will be returned to the student&#39;s SOS page  1207 . 
         [0074]    In another embodiment of the present invention the counselor may wish to send an electronic mail to the Circle of Care Members. This embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 13 . In this embodiment the counselor makes the decision to e-mail a Circle of Care member  1301 , and clicks on the Circle of Care member&#39;s name contained in the student&#39;s SOS page  1302 . The counselor then chooses a template form  1303  that will address the purpose of the e-mail. If the counselor cancels the transaction  1304  at this time he or she will be directed to the student&#39;s SOS page  1305 . If the counselor continues  1306 , the e-mail form will appear  1307 , and the counselor will input the information into the form  1308 . Note, that any information will be screened to maintain the student&#39;s interest in confidentiality. The counselor may cancel out of the process at this point  1309 , wherein he or she will be directed to the student&#39;s SOS page  1305 . If the counselor decides to send the e-mail  1310 , then the e-mail is sent  1312 , and a log entry is created in the student&#39;s SOS system file  1311 . As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, other forms of communicating with Circle of Care members may be established without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0075]    In one embodiment, where appropriate, the counselor may then refer the student to an appropriate resource with a support network for resolution  FIG. 14 . In this embodiment the counselor and student collaboratively make a decision on whether to refer the student&#39;s issue to a resource  1401 . The counselor and student collaboratively determine what the issue is  1402 . At this time a referral may not be made to another resource  1403  where student does not want assistance  1404 , or the student does not need assistance  1405 . If no referral is made, then a log entry is made  1409  in the student&#39;s SOS system file and feedback  1410  may be sent to the referral source and other selected members of the Circle of Care  1411 . Where the counselor and student determine that a referral should be made  1406 , and the student accepts assistance  1407 , the student is referred to someone in the institution&#39;s support network  1408 . Such a network comprises a counseling center  1412 , faculty or staff  1413 , financial advisor  1414 , academic counseling  1415 , career counseling  1416 , medical clinic  1417 , or resident director  1418 . If a referral is made, then a log entry is made  1409  in the student&#39;s SOS system file and feedback  1410  may be sent to the referral source and other selected members of the Circle of Care  1411 . In another embodiment an institution&#39;s support network may comprise other resources outside of the institution that would be appropriate to address the student&#39;s needs. Other methods of determining an appropriate course of action for the resolution of the student&#39;s needs may be established without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0076]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the counselor may determine that the act of referring the student to an appropriate resource is enough for resolution of the student&#39;s file. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the counselor may ask that the individual to whom the student is referred to notify the counselor that positive progress has been made or the counselor may ask that the student notify the counselor that positive progress has been made after the referral to an appropriate resource. Again note that information received will be screened to maintain the student&#39;s confidentiality interests. In this embodiment, once such feedback is received, the student&#39;s file in the system is marked resolved, and the case is closed. 
         [0077]      FIG. 15  illustrates an embodiment of closing a student&#39;s case upon resolution. Where the counselor determines that the case should be closed  1501 , the counselor may click on the “close” link within the SOS software system  1502 . A change status form  1503  will appear. If the counselor cancels out of this process  1504  he or she will be returned to the student&#39;s SOS page  1505 . If the counselor continues,  1506  the counselor will input information  1507  regarding the case closure. The counselor again may cancel out the process  1508 , or progress  1509 , at which time a log entry is created  1514 , the case record is deleted  1513 , and a prompt to send a progress report is sent to the counselor  1510 . The counselor may then proceed with the progress report  1511 , or cancel out of the process  1512 . In one embodiment, the marking of a student&#39;s file in the system “resolved” does not delete the file from the system in its entirety. The counselor&#39;s case notes will remain. Therefore, if the student is again referred to the system for another need or at another time, the previous file of case notes exists for the next counselor to incorporate into his or her review and assessment of the new situation. 
         [0078]    In a further embodiment, from time to time it may be appropriate for the counselor to fill out at change of status form as illustrated in  FIG. 16 . Where the counselor decides to change the status of a student  1601 , the counselor may click on the “change status” link within the SOS system  1602 . The change status form  1603  will appear. At this time the counselor may cancel  1604  out of the process, and be returned to the student&#39;s SOS page  1605 . Alternatively, the counselor may continue with the process  1606 , and update the case record  1607 . When this is completed the counselor will be returned to the student&#39;s SOS page  1605 . 
         [0079]    In another embodiment of the present invention, it may be appropriate for a change of counselors as illustrated in  FIG. 17 . Where the counselor decides to transition the student to another counselor  1701 , the counselor may click on the “change” link within the SOS software system  1702 . The change counselor form will then appear  1703 . At this time the counselor may cancel out of the process  1704  and be returned to the student&#39;s SOS page  1705 . If the counselor continues, he or she will complete the form, and submit it  1706 . A log entry will be created  1708 , and the case record will be updated  1707 . 
         [0080]    In another embodiment of the present invention, an authorized member of the educational institution may use software to access various metrics of the system as illustrated in  FIG. 18 . The authorized member first logs into the system. Once authenticated, the member decides to extract data from the system  1801 . The member may then access metrics by clicking on the “administration” tab  1802 . Various metrics may be accessed, and the authorized member may choose the data he or she is interested in  1803 . The data is extracted  1804 , and the authorized member is able to view the data chosen  1805 . Charts or graphs may be easily generated from the metrics chosen through the system. Metrics that are available include but are not limited to: efficacy of specific counselors, frequency of specific issues being brought to the system, resolution frequency, affect of resolution on retention rates, affect of being in the SOS system on retention rates, and the direct impact of the system addressing student needs on retention rates at the educational institution as a whole. 
       WORKING EXAMPLES 
     Example 1 
       [0081]    Professor notices Student has not attended class for one week. Professor accesses the network interface for the SOS system from his computer at the educational institution and indicates that he would like to make a referral by opening a link to the referral page  FIG. 2 . He then fills out a referral of Student  FIG. 2 . Professor indicates Student&#39;s name and identification number, Professor&#39;s name and department, as well as his telephone number  FIG. 2 . Professor then checks a box on the interface stating that he is concerned with Student&#39;s attendance  FIG. 3   a . Professor also indicates that he has e-mailed the student inquiring about his absence. Professor additionally indicates in the box provided that he is concerned that the student has been absent from class for one week, and did not return his e-mail. The Professor then submits the referral to the institution, by pressing a button on the referral page  FIGS. 2 &amp; 3   a.    
         [0082]    The referral is received by the SOS program coordinator  FIG. 3 . Because Professor sent the referral via the network system, the coordinator receives the referral in the program&#39;s inbox. The coordinator logs into the program&#39;s inbox, reviews the referral, finds that the subject matter is appropriate for assistance, and accepts the student into the system  FIG. 3 . 
         [0083]    Upon acceptance, an e-mail is sent to Professor indicating that he will be to be notified as Student progresses through the system, and provides a link for Professor to use so that he may monitor Student&#39;s progress as it becomes available  FIG. 3 . The Professor is now in Student&#39;s Circle of Care network. Student, now accepted into the system, has a file automatically created using software designed for the system and in communication with software already employed by the educational institution that contains information such as his course schedule, name, identification number, parent information, and telephone number  FIG. 3 . 
         [0084]    Student&#39;s SOS system file is assigned to Counselor  FIG. 3 . Counselor, receiving Student&#39;s telephone number in the file, calls him to identify what the issue is that is preventing him from attending Professor&#39;s class. Counselor has a conversation with Student, where Student tells Counselor that he was diagnosed with mono and is having a friend take notes for him while he recovers. Student explains that he was unaware that Professor had e-mailed him as he has not been on a computer during his recovery, and expects to resume attending the class next week. Counselor encourages Student to contact Professor by whatever means is convenient, and to contact any other instructors in which Student is not attending class. Counselor asks the student to notify her when he has contacted his instructors and resumes attendance. 
         [0085]    Counselor then logs into the system and notes that she had a telephone conversation with Student, that his attendance will resume quickly and that he has not missed the information given in Professor&#39;s class, and that he will contact his instructors regarding his absence  FIGS. 7 &amp; 11 . Counselor then e-mails Professor with similar information, omitting that Student had been diagnosed with mono, but stating that he is receiving class notes from a friend, will resume class attendance next week, and that Student will contact Professor regarding his absence  FIGS. 7 &amp; 11 . When Student e-mails Counselor the next week that he has resumed attending class and has contacted all of his instructors regarding his absence, Counselor marks his file “resolved”  FIG. 15 . Counselor also informs the Professor and the Circle of Care that an update on the Student&#39;s progress is available in the form of a Progress Report.  FIGS. 10 &amp; 11 . 
       Example 2 
       [0086]    Parent has a conversation with Student, who is in her first semester at educational institution. Student states that she is “just unhappy” at educational institution and “doesn&#39;t see the need for a college education anymore.” Concerned, Parent telephones the appropriate student counseling department at the educational institution. Parent states that he would like to refer Student to the SOS system  FIG. 3 . The person answering the telephone takes down the Student&#39;s name and other information including identification number and e-mail address, as well as Parent&#39;s information  FIG. 3 . The person who received the phone call opens up the referral form and types in the information provided by Parent  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , &amp;  3   a.    
         [0087]    The coordinator receives the e-mail in the program inbox because the referral was input by staff at the educational institution. The coordinator reviews the referral, and accepts it  FIG. 4 . The coordinator then composes an e-mail to Parent stating that the referral has been received an accepted. Parent is now a member of Student&#39;s Circle of Care, but is not entered into the institution&#39;s system because they are not a member of the educational institution. Parent will receive notification of Student&#39;s progress outside of system software, and such notification will be noted in the system by Counselor. 
         [0088]    Student, now accepted into the system, has a file automatically created using software designed for the system and in communication with software already employed by the educational institution that contains his information such as his course schedule, name, identification number, parent information, and telephone number  FIG. 4 . The file is assigned to Counselor  FIG. 4 . Counselor, receiving Student&#39;s telephone number in the SOS system file, e-mails her to set up an appointment to discuss the issues in the referral in a student interview  FIG. 5 . On receipt, Student returns Counselor&#39;s e-mail and sets up a time to meet for a student interview  FIG. 6 . At the interview Counselor ascertains that Student is having much conflict with her roommate and difficulty in her courses of study  FIG. 7 . Counselor notes this information in Student&#39;s file  FIG. 7 . 
         [0089]    Counselor logs onto the system and asks that all of Student&#39;s instructors complete an audit  FIG. 8 . An audit request is sent to each instructor referring them to the audit page which asks how Student is performing in class, as well as attendance and behavior that may be pertinent  FIG. 8 . Each audit page also asks the instructor whether he or she would like to be notified of Student&#39;s progress through the system. Instructor, Student&#39;s professor in Math, receives the e-mail and indicates that Student&#39;s attendance is poor, and her performance is below average  FIG. 9 . Instructor also indicates that she would like to be notified of Student&#39;s progress  FIG. 9 . Student&#39;s other instructors follow the same process. 
         [0090]    Counselor logs into the system again and receives the information provided by Student&#39;s instructors during the audit. Counselor also contacts Student&#39;s resident advisor to determine what the issue is with Student and her roommate. Counselor notes this conversation in Student&#39;s file  FIG. 13 . Counselor reviews all information gathered on Student and assesses the situation. 
         [0091]    Counselor and Student meet again to discuss options for resolution of her issues  FIG. 14 . They both determine that Student is in need of career counseling and refers her to an appropriate individual trained in that area  FIG. 14 . They also determine that Student needs to discuss her roommate issues with her resident advisor  FIG. 14 . 
         [0092]    Student is encouraged to contact Parent and tell him about the progress she has made in the system and the plan that she and Counselor have devised for resolution. Student asks Counselor to notify Parent, as Student is busily studying for her end of semester examinations. Counselor then checks Student&#39;s file to determine whether Student signed a FERPA 1 , giving permission for Counselor to give information to Parent. Finding that Student has signed the document giving the institution the ability to talk to Parent, Counselor composes an e-mail to Parent, advising him of the actions taken on behalf of Student  FIG. 13 .  1  The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) is a Federal law designed to protect the privacy of student education records. The law applies to current and former students of any institution which receives Federal funding, such as financial aid or grants. 
         [0093]    Upon hearing that Student and resident advisor have devised a plan to cope with Student and her roommate&#39;s issues, and that Student has attended her first career counseling meeting, Counselor marks Student&#39;s file “resolved”  FIG. 15 . Counselor also sends notification of a Progress Report to Student&#39;s Circle of Care members as well as a separate e-mail to Parent, indicating that Student&#39;s issues have been addressed.  FIG. 11  and/or  13 . 
         [0094]    An early alert system and method for identifying and assisting students in need at an educational institution has been described. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed and that the examples and embodiments described herein are in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art of the present invention will recognize that other embodiments using the concepts described herein are also possible. Further, any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” or “the” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.