About the Early Alert Program

ATTENTION IC STUDENT!

If you are having academic difficulties in any of your courses, you might received an email from AES with the subject line: “EARLY ALERT NOTIFICATION” ... 

WHAT IS EARLY ALERT?

The Early Alert Program is an early notification system designed to encourage you to seek help before you fall through the cracks.  If your professors notice that you are struggling in their classes, they may refer you to Academic Enrichment Services for assistance.     

Ithaca faculty members really care about you! 

HOW DID I GET REFERRED TO EARLY ALERT?

Your instructor has noticed that you are showing early signs of academic withdrawal.  The signs could be one or more of the following:

•    Excessive / unexplained absenteeism
•    Low quiz and test grades
•    Evidence of weak study skills
•    Regular tardiness
•    Unprepared for class discussions
•    Unengaged in class discussions
•    Missed assignments or exams

In either case, you need assistance before you are in danger of low or failing grades or other unwanted academic actions (e.g., warning, final warning, dismissal, withdrawal).

DOES A REFERRAL MEAN THAT I AM FAILING THE CLASS?

Receiving a referral MAY or MAY NOT mean that you are a failing the class, but you could be.  The text of the email from AES will give you some clues.  Sometimes you are not failing a class, but your performance is weak.  Sometimes the referral is about other issues. 

Speak directly to your course instructor to clarify the reason for the referral and to get a better idea of where you stand in the class.  Don’t wait until it’s too late in the game for recovery.

WHO IS INVOLVED IN THE EARLY ALERT PROGRAM AND WHAT IS THE PROCESS?

First, faculty submit the initial referral form to the AES Director. Upon receipt of the referral form, the AES Director will contact you in regards to the referral and recommend that you meet with your course instructor or faculty advisor.  The AES Director may also recommend that you schedule an appointment with the AES Office for academic services.  At that point, a staff member will work with you to determine the services that will be most beneficial to your needs.

WHAT TYPES OF REFERRAL SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?

AES services include tutoring in select courses; peer learning groups, help with:

•    Time management and general organization
•    Note-taking strategies
•    Strategies to alleviate test anxiety
•    General study skills issues

I DO NOT FEEL MOTIVATED…..CAN I REFER MYSELF TO THE AES EARLY ALERT PROGRAM?

YES!  Call 607-274-3381 or email us at aes@ithaca.edu.  We will talk to you about what you are experiencing and help you get connected to the right resources in academic or student affairs.