Early Alert system designed to help struggling students

By Chris Lusk, Staff Writer (staffwriter3@occc.edu)

Students can overcome difficulties and be successful in college with the help of their professors through the Early Alert system, said Student Development Counselor Mary Turner.

The Early Alert system was established in 2000 as a means for professors to help students struggling academically, Turner said.

“It’s a way for the faculty to let me know if they have any concerns about students not attending class, failing, changes in behavior, etc.,” Turner said.

“Any academic struggles the professor notices get reported to me.”

Turner explained that, when professors become concerned about a student, they fill out an online form and submit it to her. She then checks the student’s background and tries to call the student.

“I attempt to contact the student to see what is going on and if there are any kinds of resources to connect them with,” Turner said.

“Depending on their situation, I might refer them to our learning centers, speak to them about time management, or figure out a schedule that works better for them.”

Once she has contacted the student, she prepares a letter to be mailed out explaining why she contacted them and reiterating possible resources to help them, Turner said.

“After all of that, I communicate back with the professors and let them know if I spoke with their student or not,” Turner said.

Communication between faculty, students, and counselors is key, Tuner said.

“One thing I encourage the students to do is to talk to their professors,” Turner said.

One obstacle Student Support Services is trying to overcome is the perception that students are being punished.

“Many times students think that they are ‘in trouble’ or that I am the principal,” Turner said. “We aren’t here to penalize anyone.

“The purpose of the Early Alert System is to help students to be successful, not to punish them.”

Turner said students should realize if a professor refers them to Student Services, it is because the professor cares about student’s well-being. It would be easier for professors to turn their heads and ignore the signs.

Many students also see the benefits of Early Alert for both professors and students.

“When it’s working like it is intended to, the Early Alert system encourages professors to invest more into their classes than just their lesson plans,” English major Chris Prieto said.

“And in turn, when students feel that their professors actually care about their success, they find themselves trying harder in class whether they realize it or not.”

Turner said this semester there has been a large increase in both professor participation and student response. She credits this to an increased awareness of the program and its purpose.

“We want to help [students] achieve their educational goals,” she said.

Turner said as she has gone from one department to another at the college, while the responsibility of maintaining this program has stayed with her.

Unfortunately, Turner said, there is not a system in place to track students’ progress after being referred to Student Services.

“Right now it takes a lot of work to figure out how the students are doing,” Turner said.

“I can refer a student to the Communications Lab for help, but unless the student tells me, I don’t know if they go or not.

“Better internal communication would be beneficial.”

Turner explained she can search student records to see if a referred student dropped a class or not, but cannot track more specific progress.

Turner also said it is important for professors to take notice of the warning signs early in the semester. While not everyone can be saved, the earlier a situation is reported, the greater the chances of success are.

On the other hand, Turner said, students should not be hesitant to speak with either their professor or herself.

“We just want it to be a win-win situation for everyone,” Turner said.

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