Frequently Asked Questions about Dropout Detective

Contents

Introduction

Frequently Asked Questions

Dropout Detective Trainings

More Resources on Dropout Detective

Introduction

Dropout Detective is a powerful tool that helps identify at-risk students early, giving educators and administrators a chance to intervene and offer timely support. 

This resource is designed to provide answers to the most frequently asked questions about using Dropout Detective within the Canvas learning management system at St. Petersburg College. Whether you're trying to better support your students or looking to understand how Dropout Detective works and how it integrates with Canvas, this guide will help you navigate the most common questions. 

If you have a question that isn’t addressed here or if you think there’s a topic that should be included, we welcome your input. Please feel free to email us at atst@spcollege.edu, and we’ll do our best to answer your question, and may even add it to this guide to help others. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often does Dropout Detective pull data from Canvas and update student risk index numbers?
   • Dropout Detective retrieves data every night and updates risk scores for students accordingly. In other words, if your student hands in all her missing work Monday afternoon, her risk score won't update until early Tuesday morning.
2. Why can't I see Dropout Detective Dashboard in a course? I got an error message.
   • You can only see the Dropout Detective Dashboard in a course if you're an instructor in that course.
3. How is the risk level calculated?
   • The exact algorithm is proprietary, but it's based on patterns correlated with academic risk, using multiple Canvas data points such as:
     • Missed or late assignments
     • Low grades
     • Inactivity/amount of logins
     • Course pacing
4. I know my student is on the basketball team. Why don't I see the coach listed as one of his contacts in Dropout Detective?
   • Right now, Dropout Detective only shows instructors, because we’re still building a full connection between SPC’s student information system (PeopleSoft) and Dropout Detective. Coaches, career and academic advisors, and other student support contacts aren’t included just yet, even though they play a vital role in a student’s success. The good news is that we’re actively working on expanding that integration so they will be visible in the future. In the meantime, if you know a coach should be looped in, we recommend reaching out to them directly. And if you have suggestions or questions, feel free to email us at atst@spcollege.edu.

Dropout Detective Trainings

Dropout Detective Training from Panda Day

More Resources on Dropout Detective

Guide: Getting Started with Dropout Detective

Titan Hub Page: Dropout Detective

Have Questions? Contact the Academic Technology Support Team

atst@spcollege.edu 

 Phone at 727-341-3500

(Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST).

After-hours or weekend assistance? Contact the Technical Support Center at 727-791-2795 or onlinehelp@spcollege.edu

Want to Schedule a One-on-One or Group Session on Canvas or other instructional technology issues or opportunities?

Schedule 1:1 Support Help with a Member of the Academic Technology Support Team