Early Alert Program

The Early Alert Program is a collaborative effort between faculty and the Counseling Center. This retention initiative aims to identify first and second year students who are academically at risk during the first weeks of the fall and spring semesters.

How does the process work?

Step I.
Faculty are asked to identify and refer students who have demonstrated poor academic progress due to excessive absences, low test/quiz scores, incomplete/missing assignments, weak skills, classroom behaviors, or personal issues.  If the student has already missed too many classes or has stopped going to class, the counselor explains the official withdrawal/drop process.

Faculty are encouraged to complete and submit an online Faculty Referral Form on Blackboard using “MyUTBTSC” web site.

Step II.
The Counseling Center invites all students to schedule an appointment to meet with support staff via e-mails, phone calls, and letters to advise them of the referring faculty’s concerns.  The counselor and student collaborate on an “action plan” specifically addressing identified concerns in the referral.  The student is also encouraged to visit with the faculty member regarding the referral.

Step III.
The student meets with a counselor and/or the faculty member to discuss concerns and possible strategies to improve class performance.  The student may also be referred to other campus support services for further assistance.

The referring faculty member is contacted and informed of the “follow up form” to be implemented by the student.

Step IV.
A follow-up session is scheduled with the student by the counselor to discuss student progress or difficulties that may have arisen in carrying out the “action plan.” 

Learning Outcomes

• Students become aware that there is concern about their lack of success.
• Students benefit from increased interaction with faculty and campus support services.
• Students learn what actions need to be taken to achieve academic success.
• Students are provided an early opportunity to take action and utilize campus resources.