ASU Mid-South | West Memphis, Arkansas

Early Alert System

Early Alert Program FAQ’s for Faculty
What is Early Alert?
The Early Alert program at ASU Mid-South is a systematic and collaborative effort between faculty, staff, and the Learning Success Center designed to improve student success rates. The goal of Early Alert is to promote and increase academic persistence, retention, and success by intervening early in the semester for students who are struggling personally or in their classes. Identification and referral of students who are struggling in their courses in the first weeks of the semester may help them connect with services that can support their academic needs, and at times their personal lives as well.
What is the purpose of Early Alert?
The purpose of the Early Alert is to identify and effectively intervene with students who are exhibiting at-risk academic and social behaviors.
What is the faculty role in Early Alert?
As a faculty member, your role is to identify students who may need assistance. Faculty can start providing feedback on students’ deficiencies in the 2nd week of the semester or as soon you identify students experiencing problems. Faculty are encouraged to use the online form via Campus Cruiser or by visiting, https://www.asumidsouth.edu/early-alert-system/.
What kind of problems should trigger an Early Alert notice?
  • Missing or incomplete assignments
  • Classroom participation issues
  • Excessive absences and/or tardiness
  • Low exam and/or quiz scores
  • Knowledge of personal or family difficulties (i.e. financial, death in the family, etc.)
  • Change in demeanor
What happens after I submit and Early Alert?
  1. The student Early Alert is received via alerts@asumidsouth.edu and printed.
  2. The student information is compiled within 24-48 hours after alert is received.
  3. A student specific email is sent out with the instructor cc’d encouraging the student to communicate with their professor and/or advisor.
  4. All information is transferred to a single spreadsheet that includes all students identified by the Early Alert program that week.
  5. The spreadsheet for the week is emailed to the advisor/counselor as a form of secondary intervention. Advisors reach out via phone to contact the student on their progress.
  6. A check-in/motivational email sent to student following week.

Here are the basic steps for our new early alert process:

  1. Log into Canvas, click on your picture (Account) and choose Starfish from the drop-down menu.
  2. Click on the 3-line menu in the top left and choose students.
  3. Filter students by class under Connection, check a box for a student you want to submit for early alert, then click “+Flag” at the top.
  4. Choose the appropriate flag from the drop down list, chose the class from the drop down list, type any additional information you want to include, click Save.

You can also send positive messages (called “Kudos”) and refer students to campus services using the same method!

Early Alert Guide