I received an Early Alert referring me to your office.

What does that mean?

First and foremost,you are not in trouble. This is not a reprimand. Oneof your professors has referred you to the Early Alert Program because they believe you maybenefitfromadditionalresources andsupport, and they want you to succeed.Thereferral you received is a call to action and an opportunity to take control of yoursemester.  

Why was I referred? 

The email you received via NavMSU specified the reason for the Alert and a recommended course of action. 

Professors and instructors may choose from five categories of concern: 

  1. Academic Performance Concerns
  2. Attendance Concerns: Never attended
  3. Attendance Concerns: Stopped attending
  4. Referral: Tutoring or Academic Help Center
  5. Needs to Drop Course 

What are my options?

I’m glad you asked! Remember, you chose to pursue a higher education, and no one expects you to know everything; that’s why you’re here. You are investing a lot of time and energy into this challenge. It’s important that you get the most out of your investment. Asking for help and using the resources available to you is not a weakness. It’s a sign of self-awareness and maturity. Here are some options: 

Go to Office Hours: Getting to know your professors is one of the most valuable habits you can develop. One-on-one time to ask questions can clarify confusion, deepen understanding, and lead to unforeseen opportunities. 

SmartyCats Tutoring: This program provides free one-on-one tutoring for dozens of different classes, particularly at the 100 & 200 level. They also coordinate with many professors to host large-group study sessions. Choose the appointments icon in NavMSU and follow the prompts to book a tutor.  

Academic Help Centers: There are five Academic Help Centers on campus for specific areas of study; all free of charge. The Writing Center, the Math & Stat Center, the Economics Help Center, the Chemistry Help Center, and the Engineering Mechanics Help Center. The Writing Center is particularly valuable because they can help with writing assignments of any style for any topic! 

Affiliate Advisors: If you are part of an affiliate group like Montana10, MSU Hilleman Scholars, COOP, TRIO, Forge, or are an American Indian or Alaska Native, you have a specialized team of advisors, coaches, and relatives ready to help you navigate the campus and develop the academic skills needed to succeed. Meeting with your advisors in these groups regularly often helps you meet other requirements for scholarships too. 

Success Advisors: Success Advisors are professionals that specialize in helping you learn the academic and life skills that are rarely taught in school. Things like time management, study skills & strategies, overcoming procrastination, habits development & goal setting, and so much more. They can also act as academic accountability partners. To make an appointment, choose the appointments icon in NavMSU and follow the prompts. 

The Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success (AYCSS): The Allen Yarnell Center is in the Strand Union Building, SUB 177. In addition to Success Advising, the center hosts the Career Services and Financial Education teams. If classes aren’t going well, maybe you're distracted by internship & career questions or financial instability. The teams are dedicated to exploring your options and providing solutions. 

Academic Advisors: The professionals that help you navigate your path to graduation are academic advisors. All students are required to meet with their academic advisor once per semester but are not limited to the number of appointments they can make. If you determine it’s better to drop a class than risk failing it, an academic advisor must be consulted. To make an appointment, choose the appointments icon in NavMSU and follow the prompts. 

What should I do now?

Our recommendation is to take a moment to reflect on why your professor is concerned and then takeappropriate action.If you’reunsureabout the concern,go to office hours. If you studiedbutaren’tgetting the results you expect, meet with a Success or Affiliate Advisor. If the content is confusing or youdon’tknow how to get started, book aSmartyCatstutor or go to one of the academic help centers.If you need todrop a class,meet with your Academic Advisor. Do something! Don’tignore the problem. Even the smallest steptoward asolution is better than nothing at all.