Academic Alert

As part of the University effort to improve student retention, the Academic Alert System was created to provide a means for our faculty to identify and assist students who may be at risk of failing a course. This system allows faculty to refer students to the Center for Student Success in an attempt to work with the student to improve her/his standing in a course. (Prior to Fall 2008, this system was known as “Early Alert”).

Recent Results: During the Fall 2007 semester, a total 479 referrals were made. Of these, 220 students interacted with the Center for Student Success and the instructor to some degree. Of the students with some degree of interaction 12% failed the class, while 29% of the 259 students who were referred but did not reply received a failing grade. Another key statistic was that the students who were referred and took some action had a median term GPA of 2.189 while those who declined any assistance had a median term GPA of 1.731. Maintaining a 2.0 GPA is key to a student persisting to degree at UMSL.

Increasing the Reach: This data shows that students who have interaction based upon an Academic Alert referral have a greater chance for success. In order to reach as many students as possible, we ask that faculty members utilize the Academic Alert system for those students who have missed classes, missed labs, or received poor grades on exams or quizzes. The system allows for additional comments for any type of concern the instructor may have regarding a student.

Should you have a student who is missing class, not turning in assignments, or not performing as well as he or she could in your course, please consider a referral through the Academic Alert system.

How it Works: To make a referral using Academic Alert, click here. (Please note that you can also get to the academic alert system through MyGateway. It is located in the "Faculty Toolbox" under the "Faculty/Staff" tab.)

To view directions for utilizing the system, please click here.