GradesFirst

Introducing Conversations

Josh — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:46:10 +0000

Start conversations…build relationships…improve student success!
GradesFirst is excited to introduce Conversations^TM, the groundbreaking communications technology that will revolutionize the way you connect with students! Conversations facilitates personal interactions with your students leading to stronger relationships and increased retention rates. Assessment of your student support efforts will be streamlined in ways you’ve never imagined.

“After using GradesFirst for one semester, we saw dramatic improvements in efficiency and student success. The ability to send text messages helped us to easily reach students with our message and schedule appointments. As a result, we experienced a 65% increase in the amount of contact hours with students.”

Janet Moore, Jacksonville State University

“Overall, I would say that it has superbly improved our communication and intervention processes.”
Robert PageSmith, Fresno State University

Should Academic Support Services Be Mandatory?

Josh — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:27:52 +0000

Today, Inside Higher Ed published a compelling article raising the question, “Should academic support services be mandatory?” They referenced a study from the Center for Community College Student Engagement. The study, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, among others, analyzed a broad spectrum of data concerning student success in community colleges. It contained many statistics, but perhaps the most interesting was that of the 181 community colleges surveyed, 77% reported having early alert and early intervention processes, but only 14% of their students reported that someone at the college actually reached out to them when they were struggling with their studies.

To learn more, check out the article at Inside Higher Ed or download the Promising Practices for Community College Student Engagement PDF from CCCSE.

GradesFirst Welcomes Amber Harrelson!

Amanda — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:45:25 +0000

Amber Harrelson, a native of Hazel Green, Alabama, graduated from Auburn University in May of 2011 with a major in Communication and a minor in Spanish. War Eagle! She is a member of Briarwood Presbyterian Church and enjoys reading, writing, dancing and all things coffee-related. Amber is also recently engaged and will be tying the knot with her better half this June. She is very excited to be joining the Client Services team and is looking forward to serving our clients.

Drew Franklin Joins The Client Services Team!

Josh — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:30:07 +0000

Drew Franklin joined the Client Services team at GradesFirst on December 27, 2011. In 2010 he earned his Bachelors’ degree in Public Relations and Political Science from the University of Alabama. He has won multiple “Most Interesting Man of the Year” awards. Drew will work closely with clients to ensure product training, support and absolute satisfaction.

Say Hello to our new Director of Client Services

Josh — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:23:22 +0000

A GradesFirst is proud to announce Steven Kilpatrick as the new Director of Client Services. Steven comes to the GradesFirst team after six years of servicing clients in outside sales. Most recently, he has found his niche alongside the GradesFirst customers where he brings a passion to discover needs and create solutions. Steven’s goal is to “make our client’s overall experience with GradesFirst the best it can be!” He also enjoys motivating others by teaching and helping them to reach their full potential. Outside the office, you can find Steven swinging a driver at the range and serving aces on the tennis court – while answering his phone, of course, to provide you with customer service that will change your life!

Amanda Joins the Marketing Team!

Amanda — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:17:19 +0000

Amanda Sher recently decided to make the GradesFirst Marketing Team her home, and we are so glad she did! Amanda graduated from the University of Georgia where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing. Among her wide array of marketing expertise, she brings with her the ability to help GradesFirst appear at more conferences in 2012 than ever imagined!

January 2012 Newsletter – The Release of Conversations

Josh — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:03:50 +0000

In 2011, GradesFirst processed over 500,000 progress reports and scheduled over 800,000 student meetings! A list of other 2011 milestones are listed here along with great news for 2012. First and foremost is the release of Conversations, a new communication technology that allow advisors, faculty and students to connect the way they prefer while capturing every conversation for further review. Finally, meet the newest members of the GradesFirst team as we welcome our new additions!

Testimonial – David L. Graham

Aaron — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:38:34 +0000

GradesFirst has allowed us to identify which students need additional academic support before it is too late. The system really enhances and supplements our daily work as we strive to develop these young people into independent learners.

Testimonial – Justin Heckenlaible

Aaron — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:23:16 +0000

Tracking the student-athlete study hours has been very helpful. Coaches can receive up-to-the-minute reports. I also appreciate the immediate feedback we receive from instructors of students “At-Risk”.

Testimonial – Bobby Tucker

Aaron — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:08:20 +0000

If your university is NCAA Division II, GradesFirst will help you save hours of work because of how easy it is to use. In most Division II institutions, athletic staff wears more than one hat and GradesFirst will ease the workload on your department.