Course Alert Information
The College of Engineering & Applied Science participates in a campus initiative to notify students early in the semester, if there are concerns about a student's grades, attendance, or other areas of academic performance in the course. The goal of this effort is to let students know where they stand in the class, and connect them to resources and support when there is plenty of time to make positive change. Many undergraduate courses across campus participate in this initiative. This website provides information for students, faculty, and staff in the College of Engineering & Applied Science regarding course alerts.
How do course alerts work?
Faculty who teach undergraduate courses are asked to provide the status of the students throughout the Fall or Spring semester. This information is processed, and students then receive an email after the alert is submitted to notify them of any courses they may have a course alert for. This email will also give the students suggestions on what to do next such as talking with their instructors, seeking resources such as tutoring or academic coaching, and more. Students are discouraged from dropping the class without talking with their course instructor and academic advisor, as there may be many options for the student.
What reasons would a faculty member submit a course alert?
Faculty can decide to submit a course alert for a student for a number of reasons, and the following are the most common:
- Current grade is a C- or lower
- Excessive tardiness or absences
- Lack or participation or engagement in the course
- Failure to submit assignments
- Difficulty comprehending course content
If a student receives a course alert, are they in trouble?
Absolutely not! A course alert is simply to draw attention to the situation, so the student can get support and connected to resources while there is plenty of time to make positive change. Students are particularly encouraged to connect with the instructor of the course, to make sure they are on the same page about their grades and to learn about the best strategies for improving in the course.
What are the resources students should use?
- First and foremost, connect with the instructor of the course! Make sure you are on the same page and you understand your grade, how the class works, etc. Ask your course instructor for recommendations on how to improve in the course.
- There are a lot of academic and wellness resources for College of Engineering & Applied Science students!
- Your Academic Advisor is also a great resource! See their availability in Buff Portal Advising.
Which classes participate in the course alert program?
All undergraduate courses across campus are encouraged to participate, but not every class does; sometimes even some sections of a class participate and some do not. If you do not receive a course alert for a class, that could mean your instructor didn't participate in this program or you are doing just fine in the course. To know for sure, please ask your instructor what your grade is in the class (if you are not sure). You can also ask your instructor if they participate in the course alert program.
I am a faculty member - where do I find information about this program?
More information about course alerts is available from the Office of Information Technology.