GoalQuest Inc. and Loyola University New Orleans today announced the launch of an interactive Web-based program to aid student development and retention efforts. Loyola has deployed the company’s FYRe product, a Web-based program that immerses users in interactive content that covers topics such as academic skills, health and wellness, alcohol and drugs, career development and financial management. The program includes expert-written editorial features, self-assessment quizzes, first-person digital video narratives, e-portfolios and online community features, such as blogs and messaging.

"Loyola University New Orleans looks forward to our continuing partnership with GoalQuest," said Dr. Marcia Petty, vice president for student affairs and associate provost. "Currently, our admissions office uses several of the company’s products, and is quite pleased. Student Affairs has launched a "pilot" program this spring specifically for first-year students and we are hopeful that it will impact retention."

	GoalQuest FYRe™ GoalQuest Heuristics™

GoalQuest's editorial team works with each client to tailor FYRe to support existing FYE, freshman seminar and/or other transitional programs. FYRe may be implemented as a supplement or replacement for existing textbooks and teaching manuals, as the core online syllabus and assignment center within a FYE program or as a virtually administered course (credit or non-credit) for clients that do not offer a classroom-based FYE. The program, which will be known to students as LU Experience, can also be deployed as a non-mandatory “virtual magazine” that students access according to their needs and interests.

Planned LU Experience topics include:

• Getting Involved on Campus
• Staying Healthy, Keeping Happy
• Choosing a Major
• Troubleshooting Problems
• Eight Great Reasons to Form a Study Group Now
• Time Management: You Need It, Here's Why
• College Power Skills: Getting Your Writing Up to Speed
• Studying for Math and Science Tests

As it develops its FYRe program, Loyola will choose from a range of popular user features, including:

UPeers™ — Social networking with an academic twist, the UPeers e-community will let Loyola students create their own public profiles, share interests, form study groups and plan get-togethers all in an environment that safeguards privacy.

UBlog™ — UBlog enables designated upperclassmen to offer advice by sharing their experiences and challenges through a turnkey blogging interface.

GoalQuest Heuristics™ — A series of animated "experiential learning" modules and entertaining self-tests that engage students in subjects such as time management, academic honesty, writing and study skills mental health and goal setting.

The FYRe program also supports school administrators and faculty with real-time data and extensive survey and assessment options to help combat student attrition, promote critical learning outcomes and improve overall satisfaction.

Loyola and GoalQuest have previously launched several programs designed to recruit undergraduate applicants and enhance communications with newly admitted students. Loyola also works with GoalQuest to reach out to parents of these audiences. (See preview press release: http://www.goalquest.com/press_release/loyola_press_release.html.)

"We are extremely pleased to expand our relationship with Loyola New Orleans," said Tracy K. Howe, GoalQuest co-founder and executive vice president. "Just as GoalQuest tools have played a key role in increasing the university’s recruiting and yield efforts, our FYRe program will arm advisors, instructors and administrators with the real-time data they need to make a substantive impact on retention."