University Computer Help Desk

GradesFirst is a web-based service used to track academic progress for some students at Illinois State University. This service is authorized for use by University College.

GradesFirst is the preferred system for reporting academic progress. It is faster and more secure than the paper system used in the past.

The information below describes emails sent to faculty and instructors at Illinois State about GradesFirst, as well as the GradesFirst website.

GradesFirst Emails

Twice each semester, emails are sent to faculty and instructors at Illinois State asking them to complete progress reports for students in their classes. Faculty and instructors who fail to submit grades for their students may also receive an additional followup email about GradesFirst.

Only faculty and instructors who have students that meet one or more of the following criteria will receive emails about GradesFirst:

• Students who are not making academic progress
• Success 101 Project - located in the Julia N. Visor Center
• Student athletes - used to ensure athletes are meeting NCAA standards
• TRiO/Student Support Services Program

GradesFirst emails are always sent FROM: one of the following email addresses:

• gradesfirst@ilstu.edu - GradesFirst email address at Illinois State
• mhmowre@ilstu.edu - Marie Gillibrand, Financial Aid at Illinois State

The email asks faculty and instructors to submit grade information about their students to the GradesFirst website. The email contains a special link that allows faculty and instructors to access their specific section of the GradesFirst website.

GradesFirst Website

To submit grade information using the GradesFirst website, do the following:

1. Find the GradesFirst email you were sent and open it.
2. Click the link to the GradesFirst website. This link is in the GradesFirst email you received.
   
   • Because you do not have a GradesFirst user name or password, you must use the link in the GradesFirst email you received.
3. You will automatically be taken into your section of the GradesFirst website.
4. A list of your students appears on the left side of the page.
5. To enter grade information, click the check box for one of your students and supply grade information on the right side of the page.
6. Click the Submit Report button.
7. Repeat step 5 for each of your students.
8. When you are done, close your browser

Supported Web Browsers

Make sure you are using one of the support web browsers when using the GradesFirst website. GradesFirst supports:

• Internet Explorer 7 & 8
• Firefox 3.5x and later for Windows and Mac Computers
• Safari and Chrome for Mac Computers (

  Will work, but not optimal yet for the following internet browsers:

  • Chrome 4.x
  • Safari 3.x
  • Opera 8+
  • Safari for iPhone/iPad
  • IE9 beta

   

   

  Problems Submitting Grade Information

  When you want to submit grade information for your students, make sure you click the check box for a student on the left before entering grade information on the right side of the page.

  If you don't select one of the student check boxes, the information you provided won't be submitted to GradesFirst and you will get an error message that says, No students were selected. You must select a student first.

  Questions?

  If you have questions or concerns about the GradesFirst system, please contact Amelia Noel-Elkins, Director of University College at anoelel@ilstu.edu or 309-438-3842.