The Student Referral Program has been designed to significantly enhance students’ academic prospects by allowing faculty, staff, and peers to suggest students who may benefit from extra assistance at the Center for Academic Excellence. These referrals can be made at any point during the semester; however, early intervention is crucial as it greatly increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
Who should be referred?
Any undergraduate student enrolled at UMass Boston is eligible for referral. Faculty members who find themselves unable to resolve a student’s academic issues independently are encouraged to submit a referral based on various concerns, such as:
- Personal issues affecting academics
- Unresponsiveness to faculty email outreach
- Study skills, writing skills, and organizational challenges
- Low quiz / test grades
- Frequent absences
- ESL challenges
Is a student at risk of harming him/herself or others?
If the situation is urgent and life threatening, call the police:
If you are off campus, call 911
If you are on campus using a landline, call 911
If you are on campus using a cell phone, call 617.287.1212
If the situation is urgent but not life threatening, please follow the Distressed and Distressing student protocol. Contact the Dean of Students Office at 617.287.5899 or at dean.students@umb.edu for guidance.
What do we do?
A dedicated staff member from the Center for Academic Excellence will meet with referred students to assess their individual needs and formulate a comprehensive plan aimed not only at immediate academic improvement but also at ensuring they continue on a successful path toward completing their degree at UMass Boston. We prioritize collaboration with faculty and often direct students to additional campus resources, such as the Counseling Center, to further support their academic journey.
Have you been referred?
If you are a student who has been referred, look out for an email and a phone call that will connect you with the appropriate academic advisor or coach. You may find numerous helpful resources available to assist you in making the most of your academic experience.
**Interview with Dr. Lisa Johnson, Director of the Center for Academic Excellence at UMass Boston**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Johnson. Can you tell us about the Student Referral Program and its main objectives?
**Dr. Johnson:** Thank you for having me! The Student Referral Program was designed to enhance the academic prospects of our undergraduate students at UMass Boston. The goal is to allow faculty, staff, and peers to refer students who may be struggling and could benefit from additional support at our Center for Academic Excellence.
**Editor:** Why is early intervention emphasized in this program?
**Dr. Johnson:** Early intervention is crucial because it significantly increases the likelihood of positive academic outcomes. The sooner we can address a student’s needs—whether they are related to study habits, time management, or even emotional support—the better equipped they are to succeed. We want to provide resources to empower them before issues escalate.
**Editor:** Who is eligible for referral in this program?
**Dr. Johnson:** Any undergraduate student enrolled at UMass Boston is eligible for referral. This includes students across all disciplines and years of study. We encourage faculty members to refer students they believe are having difficulty that they can’t resolve independently.
**Editor:** What kind of assistance can referred students expect to receive?
**Dr. Johnson:** Referrals lead to tailored support services that can encompass one-on-one tutoring, workshops, and academic counseling. Our team assesses each student’s unique needs, and we customize our approach to ensure them the best chance at success.
**Editor:** How can faculty and staff make referrals?
**Dr. Johnson:** Faculty and staff can refer students at any point during the semester by filling out a simple online form available on our website. We also encourage informal conversations with students before making a referral, as this can help them feel more comfortable seeking assistance.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Johnson, for shedding light on this important program aimed at supporting UMass Boston students.
**Dr. Johnson:** My pleasure! We’re excited about the potential impact of this program and urge the UMass Boston community to engage with it actively.
