"START" [microform] : A Computer-Assisted Management Model for Student Testing, Advisement Retention, Tracking

The computer-assisted management model described in this manual was implemented by the Counseling and Human Development Department at Prince George's Community College for the purposes of Student Testing, Advisement, Retention, and Tracking (START). As introductory material notes, START is an integrated computerized system which tracks student progress through various stages of college attendance. Beginning with initial, pre-admissions advisement, START manages student contact through computer-generated letters informing students of outstanding credentials, registration procedures, important dates, and unmet degree requirements. Following the introductory remarks on the functions and development of START, a preamble and working statement are presented, defining the philosophy of the Human Development Department and its testing and advising philosophy. Goals and objectives for the testing and advisement program are then delineated for concurrent enrollment, matriculating first-time, international, matriculating readmit/transfer, and non-matriculating students. Samples of letters sent to students regarding probation, testing, and counseling are followed by an overview of START's development. Flow charts showing the modules for the START program and the Student Information Services system, letters detailing student progress, and a list of computerized student mailings and their cost conclude the manual. (LAL)