Overview
This flag is the most direct, so we want to focus on being honest without being fatalistic. Your comments should help students understand why they're receiving the flag and whether recovery is still realistic. When writing your comments, remember that the final decision on whether to withdraw will still rest with the student based on their own unique circumstances, but you can let them know whether recovery is possible or if withdrawal is strongly recommended.
Use the examples below as a starting point when raising a Consider Withdrawal flag in MU Connect. The templates are organized into three different tones, but are intended to be flexible. Copy and paste the example as written, combine elements from multiple examples, and add course-specific details that provide helpful context for the student. Even a small amount of personalization can make your message more meaningful.
NOTE: This flag can be raised in specific courses during Weeks 12 and 13 using the My Students tab, Zoom In tab, or Progress Survey. If you have questions about how courses are chosen, please review the Consider Withdrawal Flag Overview or email muconnectsupport@missouri.edu.
Formal Tone
- Your grade has been affected by several missing assignments and low exam scores. There is still an opportunity to improve your grade if you complete all of the remaining coursework and perform well on the final exam. Please email me or stop by my office hours next week (I'm in the Ag Building on Tuesdays from 2:00 until 4:00) so that we can talk about strategies to finish this course successfully.
- Based on your current grade and the remaining points available, it will be very difficult to earn a passing grade. Please review the remaining coursework, consider your available options, and meet with me or your advisor to discuss whether a recovery plan is realistic before the withdrawal deadline.
- At this point in the semester, several required assignments and assessments cannot be made up, making it unlikely that you will successfully complete this course. I encourage you to meet with your academic advisor and consider whether withdrawing is the best academic decision for you. Email me if you want to talk through your remaining coursework.
- Your limited participation in the the discussion boards, several missing assignments, and low quiz scores have placed you below the threshold to pass the course. At this point, there are not enough points available to complete the course successfully. Email me if you'd like to talk through any of the coursework or any unforeseen circumstances you've experienced in the semester or work with your advisor to determine whether withdrawing is the most appropriate option.
Friendly Tone
- I wanted to check in because your current grade and several missing assignments have put you in a difficult position. If you're ready to jump back in, there may still be time to improve, but we need to make a plan soon. Please email me so we can talk through your options.
- I'm concerned because you've missed several important assignments and your exam scores have made it difficult to earn a passing grade. Let's connect and figure out whether staying in the course or withdrawing makes the most sense.
- I know this is tough to hear, but based on your current progress, passing the course is very unlikely. I encourage you to talk with your advisor about how withdrawing could affect your academic plan, and please let me know if you'd like to discuss your standing in the course.
- Sometimes the best next step is making an informed decision. Right now, your current grade puts you at serious risk of failing. Whether your goal is to finish the course or withdrawing, I'm happy to talk through your progress and help you understand your options.
Direct Tone
- Your current grade, missing assignments, and exam scores place you at risk of failing this course. It's going to be very difficult to complete the course with a passing grade. Email me or talk with your academic advisor to determine whether completing the course or withdrawing is the better option.
- Several required assignments cannot be made up, making it unlikely that you will pass the course. Meet with your academic advisor to discuss withdrawing, and contact me if you have questions about your grade.
- Your current performance requires immediate attention. If you complete the remaining 3 assignments and improve your quiz and final exam scores, passing may still be possible. Email me this week to discuss a recovery plan.
- At this point in the semester, your chances of passing the course are very limited without significant improvement. Please review the remaining assignments, meet with your advisor, and email me if you'd like to discuss your standing before deciding to withdraw.
The following email is sent to students when this flag is raised. The bracketed information is updated based on the individual's information. The highlighted portion will not appear until comments are entered by the instructor within MU Connect when raising the flag.
Subject Line: Course withdrawal should be considered
Dear [STUDENT FIRST NAME],
I noticed you may be facing some challenges in [COURSE NAME], and you are at risk of failing this course. Failing a course can affect your semester and overall GPA, your academic standing with the University, and your financial aid. I know this can be a tough situation, and the Mizzou community wants to help you make an informed decision.
You still have the option to withdraw from this course, which will result in a grade of “W” on your transcript and not be factored in your semester or overall GPA.
INSTRUCTOR COMMENTS HERE
Take control over your situation immediately by using the following resources to help you understand possible options and consequences:
- Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor via MU Connect. They can assist you in understanding how failing or withdrawing from this course might impact your academic progress. You can find your advisor’s name and contact information in your Dashboard or My Success Network in MU Connect.
- Get in touch with Student Financial Aid to discuss how your financial aid may be affected by your course performance.
- Note the upcoming deadline to withdraw from a course is [DATE]. See information about how to withdraw from a course here.
- Review the MU Registrar Academic Calendar for essential academic dates, deadlines, and policies.
I believe in your potential, and your success matters, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance.
Sincerely,
[FLAG RAISER NAME]
[FLAG RAISER E-MAIL]
Your instructor raised this flag for you, and the MU Connect team values your feedback. Please take a moment to complete a short survey about your experience with this message and the Early Alert process. You'll also have the option to let the MU Connect team know if you'd like additional follow-up or support.