Research shows institutions that are most successful with at-risk students are proactive in identifying them and intrusive in their intervention. During the Fall 2008 semester, the Early Alert System was activated to provide an additional support to faculty in their work with students.

It is important for students to be aware of their progress in classes early in the semester so there is ample time to correct the situation. Therefore, the Early Alert system is available beginning the second through the tenth week of the semester, to allow faculty to identify areas of concern for undergraduate students in their classes. The system is designed to provide faculty with an easy way to partner with other campus professionals to reach out to students when their efforts have failed. Things that may interfere with a student's ability to successfully complete the class include:

• Multiple missing course assignments
• Poor class performance (exams, assignments, etc.)
• Difficulty comprehending course material
• Poor class attendance (more than three unexcused absences)
• Personal problems