Early Alerts

1. What is an Early Alert?

An Early Alert is a supportive check-in. It doesn't mean you're in trouble! It means someone noticed you may benefit from additional support.

An Early Alert is:

• A connection to helpful resources
• A chance to address challenges early
• A partnership focused on your success

An Early Alert is not:

• A conduct violation
• A punishment
• A mark on your academic record

2. Why would I receive an Early Alert?

You may receive an Early Alert for challenges many students experience, including:

• Difficulty keeping up with assignments or exams
• Missed classes or reduced participation
• Technology or internet access issues
• Trouble balancing school, work or family responsibilities
• Stress, motivation or time management concerns
• Difficulty adjusting to more advanced coursework

3. What happens after an Early Alert is submitted?

1. Your instructor notices a concern.
2. A Student Success Specialist reviews the alert and contacts you.
3. Together, you connect with resources and create a plan.

Responding to outreach is the most important step!

4. Do I have to wait for an alert to get help?

No! Contact a Student Success Specialist anytime.

Reach out if you:

• Feel overwhelmed or are falling behind
• Need help managing coursework
• Are facing personal or academic challenges
• Want guidance for staying on track

Support is always available — even without an alert.

6. Is an Early Alert the same as Student Conduct Code violation?

No. An Early Alert is separate from the Student Conduct process. It is:

• Confidential
• Supportive
• Focused on your success

1. When should I submit an Early Alert?

Submit an Early Alert when you notice academic, engagement or non-emergency concerns.

Common indicators include:

• Attendance issues
• Declining academic performance
• Missing assignments or exams
• Lack of participation (in person or online)
• Concerning personal or academic circumstances
• Technology or access barriers

2. Why do Early Alerts matter?

Early Alerts allow Student Success Specialists to respond quickly and connect students with support before challenges escalate.

Early outreach helps:

• Improve student retention
• Promote academic persistence
• Strengthen communication between faculty and staff

As one of the key connections between students and Tri-C’s student success staff, your role in the Early Alerts process is critical to identifying signs that a student may need support and connecting them with help as quickly as possible.

3. How do I submit an Early Alert?

You can submit an Early Alert through the College's reporting system.

Basic steps:

1. Log in to my Tri-C Space
2. Navigate to the Student Concerns tile
3. Click Early Alert Referral button
4. Submit the alert

A Student Success Specialist will follow up directly with the student.

4. What happens after I submit an Early Alert?

After you submit an alert, a Student Success Specialist: 

1. Review the alert and the concern you identified.
2. Reach out to the student to discuss the concern and identify next steps.
3. Connect the student with appropriate campus resources and support.
4. Follow up with the student as needed to encourage progress and address barriers

For a successful partnership, we ask that you keep the Student Success Specialist informed if you speak with the student, the concern changes, or the issue is resolved.

5. When should I contact the Behavior Intervention Team instead?

Contact the Behavior Intervention Team (BIT) immediately if a student:

• Appears to be in crisis
• Expresses safety concerns
• Displays threatening or concerning behavior
• Requires urgent intervention

Early Alerts are for academic and support concerns — not emergencies.