Course Alerts for Faculty and Staff

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The Course Alert system is meant to encourage students to meet with their professors and access academic support resources. Professors can submit Course Alerts between the second and fourteenth weeks of the fall and spring semesters.ÌýÌý

For faculty and staff: Tips to help students with academic challengesÌý
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How to support studentsÌý

Students may feel a sense of anxiety or shame if they are struggling in their classes. This shame and anxiety can hinder them from asking for help.ÌýÌý

When a student receives a Course Alert, you can help them by:Ìý

  • Normalize that struggling academically is normal and is part of learning.Ìý
  • Ask them about a time when they were challenged and overcame that challenge. What did it take?Ìý
  • Frame seeking academic support as part of finding success at CU and after CU.Ìý
  • Inform them that it is common for students to struggle.Ìý
  • Help them understand that many other students are struggling, even if they do not see it.Ìý

Get to know the academic support resources available to students to refer them:Ìý

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How to talk with students about Course AlertsÌý

Here are some of the questions students might have after receiving a Course Alert, and some ways to address their questions.ÌýÌý

Q. Am I in trouble if I receive a Course Alert? Does this go on my transcript?Ìý

  • Students are not in trouble if they receive a Course Alert. The goal is to give students information early enough to seek academic support or decide if they should remain enrolledÌý
  • Course Alerts do not appear on a student’s transcript.Ìý

Q. Will other professors know I have received a Course Alert?Ìý

  • The only Course Alerts a professor knows about are for classes they teach.Ìý
  • Academic advisors and other academic support staff may be aware of submitted Course Alerts.Ìý

Q. I wrote to my professor for help, but they never responded. What should I do?Ìý

  • Ask the student when they contacted the professor and if their email included the information in the email template.Ìý
  • If the professor hasn’t responded within three business days, encourage the student to reach out to them again.Ìý
  • Encourage the student to stay after class or go to class early to ask their questions or schedule office hours.Ìý

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How to Share Course Alert Information with your Class

We recommend faculty include a statement about course alerts in their syllabus and mention it during the first week of the course. A best practice is to let students know you participate in the process because you want them to get feedback in time to alter their strategies as needed in your course and get connected to campus resources. Faculty can also share with students what they recommend they do when they receive a course alert including visit office hours, check their attendance or grades with a TA, form a study group, rewatch course videos, etc. This can help students see that faculty care about them and their academic progress.

Sample Course Alert Syllabus Statement:
91¸£ÀûÉç is committed to a community of care in which students are supported by faculty, instructors, and staff. You don’t have to face academic challenges alone – the college is here to help you learn and succeed in your coursework. Part of this community of care is your connection with me. This course participates in the CU Course Alert process to help connect you with support resources and identify your barriers to successÌý(/oue/course-alerts/course-alerts-students). If I have concerns about your course grade or attendance, I’ll submit a 91¸£ÀûÉç Course Alert. Please plan to (enter course-specific information here) if you receive a Course Alert for this course.

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Example provided by Alana Davis-DeLaria, College of Engineering and Applied Science