Navigate Guide to Early Alerts

Faculty guide to issuing Early Alerts in Navigate along with Frequently Asked Questions

Early Alerts FAQs

What happens when I issue an alert?

Your student will receive an email prompting them to contact you. The Collaborative Learning Center staff will also receive the alert and will follow-up with your student and provide information about CLC services or information about other services they may wish to engage in. Once the student has been contacted, you will receive another email informing you that your student has been contacted and your alert acted upon.  

Which students should I issue alerts for?

Alerts should be issued early on, before the mid-term period, for students who have been attending class sporadically, who are missing assignments or falling behind in the coursework, having difficulty engaging with college-level work, and who may need additional academic support.  

When should I issue an alert?

Beginning week 3 of the semester. It’s important to identify early on those students who are having problems and get them assistance so they can benefit from early access to support services.  

What if week 3 is too early in the semester to know which students may need early intervention?

It’s never too early in the semester to engage students and to begin to understand which students might find early academic support to be advantageous.

If there is no improvement, how often should I issue an alert for the same student?

Only one alert is needed for each individual issue. Multiple alerts can be issued for a student as long as each alert is for a different concern. If an alert is issued for a student who is missing assignments, additional alerts can also be issued if you feel the student needs tutoring and if the student has 3+ absences, for example.  

Why should I use the Early Alert system when I can use Blackboard, email or talk directly to my student?

When possible, you should have a conversation with your student before issuing the alert. Using the Early Alert system will allow campus Care Units to directly connect students to crucial services such as advising and tutoring services and co-curricular booster workshops. When faculty issue early alerts, it encourages students to take advantage of support services and puts them in touch with caring staff which can have a positive impact in helping them feel connected to the campus. It is a key retention effort.  

Should midterm grades be used to determine if a student is at risk?

No. By the time the midterm assessment period rolls around, a student who is struggling may have already fallen too far behind to pass the course. Early intervention is crucial in keeping the student enrolled and on track for success. On the other hand, a student who is earning failing grades at the midpoint of the semester, should meet with their advisor to recalibrate and develop a plan for improved outcomes.