Information Sheet

Skyfactor Mapworks

Salem State University implemented Skyfactor Mapworks (formerly EBI MAP-Works®) in Fall 2012 as an
effort to increase student success, satisfaction, retention, and serve as a platform to identify students who
are at-risk of failing or voluntarily separating from the institution. Mapworks serves several roles:

For the Student – Students are provided a customized Mapworks report after completing a survey during
a specific timeframe in the fall semester and in the spring semester. The report identifies student strengths
while providing strategies and resources on our campus to specifically address areas for growth. When
students access their account, each student will find faculty and staff that are uniquely connected based on
existing and specific relationships. For example, a First Year student living in a Residence Hall who is also an
athlete will be connected to a staff member in the First Year Experience Office, Residence Life, Athletics, and
their Faculty Advisor.

In addition, students will have access to faculty contact information for the current semester. Campus
resources such as Financial Aid, Transfer Services, and Academic Advising will also be found in Mapworks.
By providing a single location to find information, Mapworks seeks to increase student success and
satisfaction by minimizing institutional barriers and maintain focus on academic and personal
development.

For Faculty/Staff – All current faculty and staff have access to Mapworks and the ability to submit
Referrals for student concerns. Mapworks serves as the official system to report non-emergency student
concerns and has replaced the Student Success Initiative. All emergency and immediate concerns should
follow protocol currently in place such as contacting the Student Life Office (ext. 6401) or University Police
(ext. 6111).

Faculty/Staff who are connected to a student will be able to identify additional faculty/staff members who
are also connected to a student with the intent to coordinate student support. Additionally, faculty and staff
have access to relevant student information for an official existing university-related relationship between a
student and faculty/staff member. An example of this relationship is an advisor and advisee OR a student
participating in a university program and a faculty/staff member who oversees said program (i.e. – Faculty
Advisor and Student Advisee OR Veterans’ Affairs and Veteran Students).

Faculty have access to students registered in their respective course sections for the current semester.
Privacy and security of student information is a priority for Mapworks therefore, every employee and
student must accept a FERPA Disclaimer when logging into the system for the first time.

For Administration, The University, and The Commonwealth – Directly supported by the Vision
Project from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Skyfactor Mapworks serves as Salem
State’s early warning and retention system – an initiative identified as a priority during President Meservey’s
Student Success Summit. As data is collected, we are learning about our students’ needs and expectations
which serves as the foundation to assess and develop programs, policies, and support initiatives. Our goal is
to inform our community’s decision making and improve retention through making data informed decisions
to increase student success and satisfaction.
Retention Services, Mapworks
Meier Hall 245A // 978.542.2390 // Mapworks@salemstate.edu [updated 09.19.16]
NOTE: Information entered into Mapworks is considered part of a student’s educational record. Per FERPA, a student has the right to review their educational records with a written request.