Projects and Initiatives

The goal of the initiative is to provide formal, sustainable support from the University, and specifically African American faculty and staff.

Starting in spring 2017, Fresno State will be implementing the Integrated Planning and Advising for Student Success (iPASS) project.  iPASS is intended to change the way students experience advising through the use of technology and enhanced advising approaches.

Fresno State has partnered with two nationally recognized research organizations, the Community College Research Center (CCRC) and MDRC, to help measure the effectiveness of this advising program. The purpose of the iPASS study is to determine the impact that this academic advising approach has on student outcomes. As part of the study, students who meet certain criteria will be randomly selected for the study and may receive iPASS advising services. These services may include increased communications from academic advisors, Early Alert notifications based on academic performance, and holds on class registration until after meeting with an academic advisor.

Students not enrolled in the iPASS study will continue to have access to campus advising services and may also have access to iPASS advising tools that have been implemented across Fresno State. The quality and timing of academic advising received by students who are not enrolled in iPASS will not be affected.

If you are selected to take part in the iPASS evaluation, your student information may be shared with MDRC and CCRC. You will be notified if your information will be shared, and any shared information will be kept confidential unless otherwise stated in writing. A student DOES NOT have the option to choose whether they are enrolled in the iPASS study. However, students can opt out of having their information shared with MDRC and CCRC.

The Research Study

Fresno State is working with research organizations CCRC and MDRC to determine how academic advising can best facilitate student success in college. As part of this study, Fresno State will share student records data with MDRC and CCRC. The data includes personal identifiers, such as name and contact information, enrollment, credits attempted and completed, grades, and financial aid. You will be notified if your information is shared, and any information that MDRC and CCRC collect for the study will be kept confidential and will be used for research purposes only. About 1,000 Fresno State students will be enrolled in the iPASS study during the spring 2017 and fall 2017 semesters, with follow-up continuing until 2020.

Researchers may contact students to ask questions about their experience with and use of academic advising services. Participation in these follow up activities will be voluntary, and students who participate will be compensated for their time.

How to Opt Out of Sharing Data

Students DO NOT have the option to choose whether or not to be enrolled in the iPASS project. However, students can opt out of participating in the iPASS study by choosing not to share their student data, such as transcript records, with MDRC and CCRC. If you have questions about the study, do not want to be contacted by researchers, or do not want to have your data shared with MDRC, please email iPassfresno@mdrc.org.

Confidentiality

Information that MDRC, CCRC and Fresno State collect for the study will be kept confidential and will be used for research purposes only. Paper research records that include identifying information such as names, student ID number, or email addresses will be kept in locked filing cabinets at MDRC, CCRC and Fresno State. Computerized research data will be kept on secure drives, only accessible by the research team. All paper and computerized files containing identifying information will be destroyed at the end of the study.

About the Project

This Fall 2025, Fresno State is implementing a new advising initiative called the START (Strengthening Advising, Strengthening Results) Project. This project is designed to enhance academic advising practices and technology to improve student success.

The START Project is funded by the U.S. Department of Education through the Postsecondary Student Success Grant Program. This Project aims to assess the impact of enhanced advising services on student experiences and academic outcomes. As part of the project, students will be randomly assigned to either START Advising or regular advising services. The START Advising services may include more personalized advising, increased communication, accessible advising services, and support tailored to individual needs. Students not assigned to START Advising will continue to receive regular advising services.

The Research Study

This project also has an evaluation that plays an important role in improving academic advising for both current and future students. In partnership with Education Northwest, a research and evaluation organization, we will review student outcome data to understand how START may impact student success. We will conduct voluntary surveys and focus groups to identify opportunities for improving advising practices. The insights gained will help refine advising strategies and services at Fresno State. While the evaluation involves minimal risks, such as potential discomfort when discussing academic experiences, your participation is invaluable. Please note that all data collected for the evaluation will be used strictly for research purposes, and your individual identity will not be shared.

Participation

Students will be notified about the START Project, and will have the opportunity to opt-out of the study if they wish. Opting out will not affect the students in any way, and they can continue to meet with their regular Advising services. If you have any questions about START or wish to opt out of this Project, please contact the START Project team at fsstartproject@mail.fresnostate.edu or (559) 278-2127