Academic Alerts: Early support that makes a difference

Ohio University’s Academic Alerts system enables faculty to provide timely feedback to students—highlighting concerns or recognizing success—while there’s still time in the semester for students to take action.

In responding to the alerts, advisors can help students who may be facing challenges in multiple courses see the bigger picture, prioritize and connect with the right campus resources. Research shows that early alerts are linked to improved grades, reduced withdrawal rates and stronger academic momentum.

When students receive alerts early, they are more likely to reflect, reach out for help, and make changes in behavior such as improving attendance or study habits. Alerts also strengthen students’ sense of connection to faculty and the institution—critical factors in student retention.

What’s new for fall?

• Multiple concerns in one alert: Faculty can now select more than one reason when submitting an alert.
• One consolidated message: Students receive a single, clear email summarizing the concerns or praise.
• “Other” category: Faculty can now select “Academic Concern – Other” and enter a free-text comment when predefined options don’t fit.
• Advisor notification: Success advisors are automatically notified of alerts and may follow up with students based on individual circumstances, especially when patterns of concern emerge.

Faculty can submit alerts through the Faculty and Advising Center any time between a course’s start and end dates.

“Early alerts help students recognize challenges before they become barriers,” said Dr. Sarah Poggione, vice provost for undergraduate education. “With the help of our dedicated faculty and advisors, we can ensure that students hear from someone who notices, cares, and is ready to help.”

Taking just a few minutes to submit an alert could be the turning point in a student’s semester.