Midterm Progress Reports
Beginning Fall 2018, all instructors must submit Midterm Progress Reports for students enrolled in their classes. Students view and instructors enter Midterm Progress Reports on KeanWISE. Reporting dates and detailed instructions are sent via Kean University email in advance of Midterm Progress Reporting.
Purpose of Midterm Progress Reports:
Midterm Progress Reports serve to give students and faculty advisors (program coordinators for graduate students) early feedback on how students are performing in their classes. These reports are especially meant to give students an early warning if they are currently at-risk for earning a poor or failing final grade in a course. The Midterm Progress Report only indicates the student’s performance in the class at that time. Students are encouraged to consult with their instructors throughout the remainder of the class to ensure they are on track for the particular letter grade they are expecting. Midterm Progress Reports are not meant to be an absolute predictor of final grades, since efforts throughout the entire semester will determine the final grade. The Midterm Progress Report will NOT be a part of student permanent records and will be available for viewing on KeanWISE only until the final grade is entered. However, these progress reports will be shared with the Student Success and Retention staff, and faculty advisor(s) (and counselor for students in Veterans’ Student Services, the EEO Program, EPIC Program, PASSPORT Program, or Spanish Speaking Program)—so they may provide assistance to students encountering any academic difficulties.
Grade Types and Instructor Comments:
The Midterm Progress Report received for the course could be a grade, a comment, or both. Grades could be a “P” (Pass), “S” (Satisfactory), “U” (Unsatisfactory) or an A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, D (undergraduate only), or F.
In addition to, or instead of, submitting a midterm grade for each student, instructors also have the option of submitting comments (Multiple Absences, Please schedule to meet with Instructor, Recommend Tutoring Center, Recommend Writing Center, Satisfactory Progress, Exceptional Progress, Missing Assignments, Low Test/Quiz Scores, Unprepared for Class, or Unsatisfactory Work).
If any of Midterm Progress Reports indicate early warning:
Kean University has a wide range of academic and student support services to help students succeed in courses, and students will have time to take actions that can result in improved final grades:
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Students having difficulty with the content of a particular course are encouraged to take advantage of the tutoring available for that course. Course instructors will refer students to the specialized tutoring available and/or visit the Nancy Thompson Library Learning Commons for any additional, extensive tutorial services.
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Students with multiple class absences or missing assignments should speak with their course instructor to see if there is an opportunity to make up any of the work missed.
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Additionally for multiple absences and/or latenesses for a course, students should evaluate any on-going circumstances that are causing the problem—i.e., transportation and parking issues, work schedule, etc. Any adjustments that seem necessary to ensure attendance can be made. Remember that poor attendance is often the primary reason students earn poor or failing grades.
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Students should meet with their faculty advisor, or a Student Success and Retention staff member (in CAS 123) to discuss academic success strategies and academic support services that can help improve their grades.
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In some cases, students may elect to withdraw from classes based on their midterm progress report. Keep in mind that course schedule changes may have financial aid implications. Students are encouraged to speak with their faculty instructor, faculty advisor, and both a student accounting and financial aid representative before withdrawing from any classes. The last day to withdraw from a course(s) with a mark of “W” and no refund is published in the Academic Calendar on the Registrar’s webpage for each semester.
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Students needing additional information about grading policies and procedures should meet with their faculty advisor, Executive Director/Chairperson or a Student Success and Retention staff member to discuss such matters as minimum acceptable grades, special grade requirements of the intended major, GPA calculation, and/or the serious implications of earning failing grades. If a required course is failed, the course must be repeated. A pattern of failing grades can lead to academic probation/dismissal and/or loss of financial aid eligibility.
Kean University is dedicated to supporting students to succeed in their courses. The University offices/programs that can provide assistance and guidance include the faculty advisor, Executive Director/Chairperson, the Student Success and Retention Office, the Counseling Center, and (as applicable) the EEO, EPIC, ESL, PASSPORT, Spanish Speaking Programs, and Veterans’ Student Services. Students not sure where to go for assistance or information should be referred to the office of Student Success and Retention (in CAS 123 or call 908-737-0323).
For more information about the Midterm Progress Reporting process, please consult your respective Executive Director, Chairperson, or Dean’s office.