By Daily Press staff
College officials have been recognized on a state level for how they deal with failing students.
Santa Monica College’s Enhancement & Educational Research (SEER) Project, which improves the academic standing, course completion and persistence rates of students on academic probation, has received the 2004-05 California Community Colleges’ Board of Governors Exemplary Program Award. Last year, the same program earned a “Best Practice Award” from the National Council on Student Development.
SMC launched the SEER program in 2002 in an attempt to provide support for students on probation because of poor grades or a low completion rate of attempted course work. About one third of its first-time college students end up on academic probation, putting them at risk of dropping out of college, officials said. Nearly 2,000 students have been assisted by SEER. The program, which may be used as a model statewide, provides at-risk students with counselors who assist them with adjustments needed to successfully complete college course work, as well as English and match placement exams that identify potential problems early. Celebration of music to benefit tsunami victims
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 1, 2005. Read the original PDF.