Frequently Asked Questions from Faculty
Who should be referred to SupportNet?
Faculty and Staff are encouraged to refer any student who may be in need of academic or personal support.
Referral reasons may include:
- Poor academic performance
- Excessive class absences
- Inappropriate or disruptive class behavior
- Repeatedly submitting work late
- Apparent danger of not passing the course
- Not meeting classroom expectations
- Not achieving maximum potential
Who can make referrals to SupportNet?
Referrals are accepted from university faculty and staff; however, students are encouraged to self-refer if they feel they will benefit from SupportNet services.
When can referrals be made?
Student referrals are accepted at any point during the semester. Referring students early in the semester allows SupportNet staff to establish a “Student Success Plan” with the student so that they can achieve their maximum achievement for the semester. Those students referred at the end of the semester will work with a SupportNet adviser on establishing a “Student Success Plan” for the following semester.
How do I refer a student?
There are three easy ways to make a student referral.
- Generate a referral from your Class Roster within PeopleSoft’s Faculty Portfolio
- Send an email to supportnet@csufresno.edu
- Call SupportNet at 278-8370
Will I know if the student has met with a SupportNet adviser and what was discussed during the session?
The SupportNet staff will follow up with you via email to let you know when the student has met with a SupportNet adviser. They will not inform you of what was discussed during the meeting or indicate any other offices to which the student was referred. If SupportNet has difficulty setting up an appointment with the student, they will contact you.
How will students be informed of the SupportNet program?
Faculty are encouraged to include information about SupportNet in their course syllabus as well as announce their participation in class. Information will also be provided in the General Catalog as well as during Dog Days. We recommend this syllabus statement:
"Our campus has developed SupportNet to connect students with specific campus resources promoting academic success. I have agreed to participate in this program and may refer you to it if I believe you need the services provided by SupportNet to succeed in this course."
How will a student know about their referral to SupportNet?
Faculty are encouraged to notify the student about the referral. In addition, students receive an email and phone call from SupportNet staff regarding their referral.
Can I refer a student multiple times?
Yes. If a student continues to demonstrate a need for academic or personal support, faculty are encouraged to refer students again.
What happens after a referral is made?
Once a referral is generated, SupportNet sends an email confirming the receipt of the student referral. SupportNet then begins outreach to the student via email, informing the student of their referral and asking the student to contact SupportNet to set up an appointment. If the student does not respond to the email within 48 hours, SupportNet staff follows up with a phone call to the student
What does a typical SupportNet advising session look like?
During the initial meeting with a SupportNet adviser, the student discusses the reason for the referral. The student and SupportNet adviser then design a “Student Success Plan” to set the student on the path to success. In addition to establishing a “Student Success Plan,” the SupportNet adviser helps the student determine their learning style, and improve time management skills and study strategies. Other campus resources that are available to support students may also be recommended.
If I refer a student, will the referral become part of their permanent record?
No. SupportNet referrals will not be a part of the student’s permanent record.
How will student confidentiality be protected through SupportNet?
Maintaining confidentiality is important to the SupportNet staff. Only the referring faculty/staff member, SupportNet staff, special program adviser, and any campus resources the student has been referred to will know of your referral. In addition, SupportNet has permission to obtain information regarding student grades and class progress under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 34 CFR Part 99 (www.ed.gov).
How will faculty benefit from participating in this program?
SupportNet will promote a higher level of student engagement, with more motivated students who make better decisions related to their academic life. Engaged students are more likely to meet the course expectations set by instructors. Teaching students who demonstrate a genuine desire to learn and to be active members of the University community should produce a more satisfying and highly stimulating classroom environment for students and instructors alike.