Student Success

Person facing the camera, writing math equations on a transparent surface between them and the camera

ALEKS Pilot

Project Status: Complete

In an effort to place students more appropriately into introductory level Chemistry courses, the department implemented the ALEKS placement test and remediation tool. In addition to improving placement, the goal of the project is to improve the success of students in CHEM 221 and thereby also improve persistence. Students who do not meet the minimum score for placement into 221 are given the opportunity to complete a series of learning units in order to improve their score. As of spring 2023, the test has launched and is currently in use.

Accomplished

  • ALEKS Placement test implemented for start of fall 2023, including: 
    • SSO integration
    • Banner, Cognos, and Slate integration
    • Chemistry website updates with instructions
    • Prerequisites updates in Banner
    • Admissions Communications materials updated for newly admitted students
    • Communications updated for current students
    • 1500 licenses available for students
    • Funded for 2 years

In Progress

  • Chem dept. monitoring use and noting any issues students encounter.
  • Updating the test and enrollments as needed (winter term 2024).
  • Fine-tuning of student communication between Chem and Admissions.  
  • Chem faculty working with ALEKS to increase the duration that students have access to their account to accommodate those that delay registration into CH221.

Project Team

Sponsor: Erica Wagner
Project Leads: Eric Sheagly and Jack Barbera
Project Manager: Jay Sepac
Team: Karenna Wait, Michael Mitchell, Kathy Thomas, Marnie Shapiro, Cindy Baccar, Becki Ingersoll
Collaborators: Chemistry Department, Admissions, Office of Information Technology, Registrar's Office