Early Alerts Communications

Succeeding in college does not mean that you don’t struggle in a class or classes or during particular semesters. My goal as your instructor, and our goal at Portland State, is to do what we can to support all students and facilitate their success. Early Alerts is one of the ways we try to support our students. It’s a process by which your instructor can link you to academic advisors or campus support, and it’s a time for your instructors to let you know what changes you can make toward success in the course and engage in a learning partnership with you. This is a way to open up the conversation between you, your advisor, and your instructor so that together you can work out how to achieve your educational goals. 

Getting an Early Alert is not an indication that you will not succeed in the course. It is a call to action.  You might get an email or phone call from an advisor. Please engage in this process. Students who have taken advantage of resources offered to them are able to move forward and succeed in the course.
 

Subject: Important information about one of your courses this term 

Header: Academic support and resources  

Hello STUDENT NAME,
Your instructor let us know that you, [and others] may need support this term to be successful in your course. This is a common and normal experience.  We want you to know we are here to help you.

Many students struggle at one time or another for a variety of reasons and below are actions you can take to be successful in your course. 

1. Connect with your instructor: If you are missing classes, having challenges with Canvas, or missing assignments please reach out to your instructor. They want you to succeed and connecting with them can be very helpful in this regard. 
2. Meet with a tutor or academic coach: PSU’s Learning Center offers Tutoring Services for many subjects. Academic coaches are also a great way to help you improve your studying strategies, time management, and build other skills to help improve your academic success. If the Learning Center does not offer tutoring for the subject you need, connect with your instructor or the department offering the course to see if they offer tutoring services
3. Connect with your academic advisor: Advisors can help with class selection, course planning, and overall PSU information and guidance. Not sure who your advisor is? Find your Advisor by major here!
4.  Not sure where to start, have lots of questions, or worried about staying enrolled? Get in touch with the Progression Team.  Make an appointment or you can attend drop ins Mondays - Fridays, 1 - 2pm. 

Please let us know which of these actions you will take and be in touch with any questions. We’re here for you!
 

Class

{CRN}

Evaluated By

{Instructor's Name} on {date} at {time alert was submitted}

Special Instructions from Portland State University

{any additional instructions given by the advisor}