GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT REFERRAL
The purpose of the student referral is to identify and effectively intervene with students who are exhibiting “at risk” behaviors and/or performance.  Early intervention is critical for successful student recovery and can significantly impact attrition rates.  Please refer students in danger of failing a class before the mid-term of your course by using the student referral form located on the My>NTC faculty homepage or on the Forms link from the NTC intranet.
If a student is identified as having one or more signs of “at risk” behavior and/or performance, please communicate your concern immediately and directly to the student.  If this is not successful in altering the student’s behavior, then complete the student referral form.  Again, the student referral ought to be submitted early enough to allow a student ample time to address the issues necessary to be successful.
The following guidelines will assist you when students in your class start to struggle.  When followed, these guidelines will enable you to take best advantage of the student referral process and can greatly enhance student success.
Who should be referred?
Any student who exhibit signs or behaviors that indicate possible academic and/or personal difficulty.  Signs or behaviors may include:
•	Change in behavior and/or academic performance (i.e. student had been doing well but work and/or attendance now inconsistent)
•	Exhibiting emotional behavior in class (crying, becoming sullen or withdrawn) 
•	Expressed concern about personal and/or academic needs
•	Poor attendance
•	Poor academic performance

When should a student be referred?
The focus of the student referral is to assist and connect with students as early as possible.  When you are concerned about a student’s attendance and/or academic performance, your first step should be to reach out to the student directly.  If further resources are needed, you may refer the student using the electronic referral form.  If you have serious concerns regarding a student you are encouraged to contact the various NTC resources (e.g. Tutoring, Advising Specialists, Disability Services, Minority Advising) directly.  If a student needs counseling services, you may encourage the student to contact Peaceful Solutions at 715.675.3548 to arrange an appointment.

How do I make a referral?
You can easily access the student referral form from the My>NTC faculty homepage or from the FORMS link on the NTC intranet.  You will need to provide the student’s name, ID #, NTC e-mail and program.  This information is provided on your class roster.  Please answer all the questions on the form.  Additional comments can be added at the end of the referral form.

What will happen after I have made the referral?
Once you have completed and submitted the referral form you will receive confirmation that the form was received.  The form will be accessed by the appropriate advisor, who will contact the student.  

The Role of Advisors
Academic Advising Specialists guide at-risk students’ learning journey and provide case management services to individuals who have completed 6 program credits to ensure academic success and program completion.  If a referred student is academically at-risk, the Advising Specialists will be the first point of contact.   Students referred for personal, life management, mental health or emotional concerns will be referred to the counselor from Peaceful Solutions or other appropriate community resource.   After a referral is received, an e-mail is automatically sent to both you and the student to let you know we received it.  Advising Specialists reach out to students by e-mail, phone, or in-person to offer assistance.  When we talk with the student, we will discuss the concern and strategies to resolve it.  We may connect the student to other resources in the college or in the community.  Our goal is to work cooperatively with you to ensure students’ success in your courses. After attempting to contact or working with the student, we will then follow-up with the referring faculty.

The Role of the Instructor
1.	Studies have shown that students who receive intervention within the first quarter of a class have higher completion and success rates.
a.	However, intervention at anytime during the semester is encouraged.
b.	Student Services staff encourages students to speak with their instructors first before becoming involved in most situations.

2.	Share academic progress updates with students regularly throughout the semester.
 
3.	If a student attends class but is not showing satisfactory progress, ask him or her to make an appointment with you to discuss your concerns.  

Tips for student-instructor meetings 
a.	Ask direct questions about how your student studies.
b.	Help student develop specific action steps.
c.	Be explicit about consequences and class standing.
d.	Offer to clear up any confusion related to the syllabus.  Remind the student that all information necessary for succeeding in the course is available in the syllabus and that it is his or her responsibility to read and understand it. 
e.	Tell them about campus resources such as academic suport in the Learning Center, tutoring, or Student Services, which can assist them.
f.	Most of all, try not to assume the student isn’t trying, but do search for gaps in their understanding of the course content.