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New Faculty Resources

This guide is a "One-Stop Shop" for new full-time and adjunct faculty, providing a snapshot of what they need when starting at Marian.

SPARK Alerts

Marian University’s SPARK Alert system is designed as a proactive tool to help support student success by identifying and addressing non-crisis concerns early—before they escalate into larger challenges. Faculty and staff can submit alerts when they notice students facing difficulties in areas such as academic performance, financial stress, personal health, or overall engagement. These alerts are reviewed by student support teams who then connect the student with the appropriate campus resources, such as academic advising, counseling, financial aid, or health services.

While SPARK plays a key role in tracking and responding to emerging student needs, it is not meant to replace direct communication between faculty and students. In fact, it works best when paired with consistent, compassionate interactions in the classroom. Faculty-student conversations can provide context and build trust—both of which are vital when encouraging students to take advantage of available support. Ultimately, the SPARK Alert system supports a community-wide effort to foster student well-being, retention, and success by ensuring that no student slips through the cracks unnoticed.

Submit a SPARK Alert for a student

Miscellaneous Helpful Links