Supporting Students Who Disappear

Students who are struggling often show warning signs before they stop participating entirely. Common indicators of disengagement include:

• Missing assignments or quizzes.
• Lack of discussion participation.
• Decreased attendance in class sessions.
• No recent activity in Canvas.
• Sudden drops in performance or engagement.
• Failure to respond to instructor communications.

Monitoring these patterns can help instructors identify students who may benefit from additional support.

The earlier an instructor intervenes, the greater the opportunity to help a student get back on track.

Select a tab below.

Canvas can help instructors identify and communicate with students who may be disengaging. Canvas tools that might be helpful include:

• New Analytics
• Course Access Reports
• Gradebook Activity
• Message Students Who…
• Discussion participation records

These tools allow instructors to quickly identify students who may need outreach and support.

Sometimes disengagement is related to challenges outside the classroom. Instructors can play an important role by connecting students with available support services. Resources at Quinnipiac include:

• Academic support and tutoring
• Student success coaching
• Accessibility services
• Counseling and wellness resources
• Technology support
• Academic advising

When students return after a period of absence, focus on helping them re-engage rather than emphasizing missed work. Consider the following starting points:

• Identify the most important tasks the student should complete first.
• Help the student prioritize assignments.
• Provide the student with clear guidance on next steps.
• Be encouraging in your communication and in goal-setting with the student.

• Steven Mintz An Epidemic of Student Disengagement
• CAST, Inc. Foster belonging and community
• Counseling and Mental Health Services
• Student Health Services