Mr. Simon Gauci, the Deputy Director for Student Services, explains how he and his colleagues help students stay on track for graduation.
In high school students are taught how to act independently and manage their own affairs; sometimes though they need help. Student Services helps them move through this transition so that they can stay on track to graduate.
One of our goals this year was to focus more on students’ academic progress. This adjustment was important because students at MUIDS have to fulfill the following graduation requirements:
- Earn a minimum GPA of 2.0
- Achieve a TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), or its equivalent (79 on IBT, 213 on CBT), or an IELTS equivalent of 6.0
- Complete a Graduation Portfolio (paper based or electronic)
- Complete an independent Capstone Project
- Earn 300 hours worth of Learner Development Hours
- Complete 60 hours worth of community service
Student Services and the Academics department makes this information available to students electronically, through general announcements, and via our staff. It allows students to monitor their progress towards graduation and gives them opportunities to make adjustments to ensure they are meeting their graduation requirements.
The Student Services Department also uses this information to focus on those students who need additional support.
We review feedback from their teachers and work alongside Dr. Steve, the Deputy Director of Academics, to ensure students not only meet their credit requirements but also have a minimum 2.0. G.P.A. When this information is put together ahead of time it helps us to be proactive and thus make and then communicate an improvement plan with the students, their parents and their teachers.
We have continued to refine this process throughout the year, and will do so in the coming year as well. We look forward to the new year as well as helping students continue their march towards independence and adulthood.