What is Starfish Early Alert?

Seton Hall University has adopted Starfish Early Alert as its new early warning system tool. Starfish, part of the university’s retention initiative, aims to identify at-risk students as quickly as possible and promptly direct them to the support services that can help them succeed. This process is supported by Starfish Retention Solutions and is accessible through a Blackboard module. Starfish provides faculty, academic advisors, tutors, and program directors with a convenient way to follow and support students. 

Faculty can raise “flags” when a concerning pattern of behavior is observed allowing advisors and other support services to intervene. Certain students might have academic performance or attendance issues, while others may be showing signs of emotional distress. Starfish gives us an efficient way to communicate those concerns to the people who can help, while respecting FERPA and our institution's policies on the privacy of student information.

Increased communication between instructors and support staff is a proven strategy for increasing student success and retention. The partnership and participation of all campus faculty and staff will ensure that each student enrolled at our institution has the best possible chance to succeed.

How to Get Started?

A Starfish module is located under the MyAcademics tab in Blackboard.  Note: The Starfish module may not appear in the exact location in Blackboard as the graphic below. 

To view or edit your Starfish profile, choose Profile.

To access your student list, choose Starfish Home.

Training

Workshops are offered for faculty through the TLT Center’s Computer Training Services. For a list of upcoming courses visit http://tltc.shu.edu/register.

Tutorials

Students

• Student Getting Started with Starfish Guide (PDF)
  
  

Faculty/Advisors

• Faculty/Advisor Getting Started with Starfish Guide (PDF)
• How to Update Your Starfish Profile
• Submitting a Flag Survey
  
  

Additional Questions?

If there are any questions about this process or suggestions for improvement, please contact earlyaIert@shu.edu.

If you require technical assistance, please contact the service desk at helpdesk@shu.edu, (973) 275-2222 (off campus) or x2222 (on campus).