North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC)

Early Alert Program

NIACC is committed to the success of its students. To ensure that every student takes full advantage of the educational opportunities available, NIACC has implemented an Early Alert Retention Program coordinated by the Learning Support Division.

The Early Alert Retention Program was developed as a tool to assist in the retention of students by increasing their persistence. NIACC faculty are an important component in providing support to NIACC students. With the help of proactive and supportive faculty, early detection and intervention for students who are experiencing some type of problem affecting academic performance may be possible. The goal is to connect students to campus resources, as well as, provide a support for faculty when they have students who are "at risk" in the classroom.

The goal of the program is to help students early in the semester, while there is still time for classroom success.

The Early Alert referral process is as follows:

A. Identifying the Student
    *    Faculty will identify students who are experiencing academic difficulties or have missed two or more class periods.
    *    Faculty will complete the Student Progress Report
    *    A copy of the student progress form is provided to the Early Alert Coordinator and necessary departments (e.g. Financial Aid).

B. Notifying the Student
    *     A copy of the student progress form is mailed to the student
    *    The Early Alert Coordinator reviews the referrals and makes personal contacts with the students.
                - During consultation with students, faculty concerns will be discussed.
                - Referrals to other campus resources may be made to improve their chances for success (e.g. referrals to Tutoring, Advising &
                  Counseling, Disability Services, Financial Aid, etc.)

C. Follow-up
* The Early Alert Coordinator will report back to the faculty the outcome of contact with the student via e-mail.

Examples that may elicit an Early Alert referral by an instructor:

Lack of attendance - e.g. missing 2 consecutive classes
Under-achievement
Perceived personal issues - e.g. sleeping through class, signs of stress, etc.
Other issues that appear to be hindering student success

If you are interested in learning more about the Early Alert Program you mail email our Early Alert coordinator at gillesen@niacc.edu.

Faculty can complete a Student Progress Report online.

Student Access Center

North Iowa Area Community College, 500 College Drive, Mason City, IA 50401
641-423-1264 or 1-888-GO NIACC
www.niacc.edu