Early Alerts
You: I got an email that told me to come to this webpage. Something about Early Alerts?
The UCAE: Welcome, thanks for coming! Around the 4th week of the semester, the University asks faculty teaching 1000- and 2000-level courses to let you know how you are doing so far in the form of a Progress Report or an “Early Alert.”
You: Why the 4th week?
The UCAE: Because you have usually had a few assignments due, but there is still plenty of time in the semester to make adjustments if things have not been going as well as you would like.
You: Why would a faculty member raise a… what was it called again? Early Alert?
The UCAE: Faculty might choose to raise an Early Alert for things like participation, attendance, missing assignments, or low grades.
You: Okay, so I got one of those. What should I do now?
The UCAE: Excellent question! First, don’t panic! Remember the semester just started- there is plenty of time to take action.
You: …I wasn’t really panicking, but thanks for that.
The UCAE: You’re welcome! A good first step is to meet with your instructor to find out exactly why they raised the alert. The email you get about the alert is automatically generated, meaning your instructor didn’t write the text. So, to find out exactly what the alert is for you can check in with them through office hours, email, or in a class meeting.
You: Is that all? Just ask my professor?
The UCAE: Nope, there’s more! There are a number of free campus resources to help you out in classes.
You: Cool
The UCAE: We think so. The UCAE offers course support like various forms of tutoring (group, individual, drop-in, and virtual)
You: Tutoring sounds good. Anything else?
The UCAE: You know it! We also offer Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) sessions. These are group study sessions led by a student who got an A in the class at UNC Charlotte who will help you practice course concepts in a comfortable and inclusive atmosphere.
You: That’s fine and all, but what if you don’t have tutoring or PAL for my class?
The UCAE: No problem! We’ve still got something for you. You can sign up to be paired with a Success Guide who will check in with you throughout the semester. They can help you work on things like organization or note-taking.
You: They seem nice.
The UCAE: They are nice and are experts at navigating UNC Charlotte.
You: I don’t know if I’m ready to commit.
The UCAE: We understand and we’re here if you change your mind. In the meantime, you could attend one of our workshops or make a one-time Academic Consultation appointment. Workshops cover topics like stress management, prepping or tests, and more. If you’re not up for a group, then the same topics can be covered one-on-one in an Academic Consultation. You can check Connect or look on our website to find out what’s available in person and online. You can also email uncc-ucae@charlotte.edu with what you’re looking for and we’ll help you find it.
You: This has been helpful, thanks. I didn’t know there were so many resources available.
The UCAE: No problem! We just like to help. Helping’s our favorite.
You: Was that an Elf reference?
The UCAE: Maybe…
You: Okay… Well like I said, thanks. If I have questions later, is there someone I can talk to?
The UCAE: Absolutely! Email uncc-ucae@charlotte.edu or stop by Colvard North 2200. Our staff are literally waiting by our inboxes and in our offices to answer your questions. Good luck with your classes this semester!
