What is the Academic Early Alert Process?
The Academic Early Alert process helps connect students to support before a small bump turns into a roadblock. Here's how it works:
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Flag or Kudo Raised - Instructors raise alerts through the Progress Survey, My Students, or Zoom In tabs. These alerts can signal attendance issues, missing assignments, low exam scores, or strong academic performance.
Instructors receive credit for participating in Early Alert by raising any flag or kudo at any time in the semester, whether it's through a progress survey or manually in MU Connect (My Students or Zoom In tabs). Instructors do not need to complete the survey to be recognized for participating.
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Messages to students - Each alert automatically sends a personalized email to the student, These message includes instructor comments and a larger email template to provide additional context and encourage the student to take action.
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Advisors & Support Staff Review - Advisors and student support offices review alerts across all of a student's courses and follow up as needed, based on Mizzou's tier guidelines.
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Flags resolved - Alerts are resolved in various ways:
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By advisors and support staff after attempted outreach
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Automatically by the system if a student drops or withdraws
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By the instructor (to indicate no further outreach is needed)
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By the MU Connect support team
Even after flags and kudos are resolved, they are still visible in MU Connect for reference. For more detail, review the Flag Tier Guide and Kudos & Referrals Overview.
The Academic Early Alert process is a shared effort:
- Instructors are not expected to identify every issue a student may be facing. Your role is to notice early signs of concern or success and raise alerts to help students see them and so that support staff can step in.
- Advisors and support staff are not expected to solve every problem. Your role is to follow up on alerts, offer guidance, and connect students to the right resources.
- Students ultimately decide whether to act on the support offered to them. We can provide alerts, outreach, encouragement, and resources, but students must choose to engage.
We are committed to offering timely, meaningful support; our job is to ensure the support is clear, accessible, and offered early enough to matter.
What is a Progress Survey?
- A short, time-bound survey for instructors to provide feedback on students.
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Used to flag concerns (attendance, low grades, etc.) or give kudos (good work, improvement).
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One way to provide feedback to students through the academic early alert system to connect students with support.
Key Progress Survey Dates
Who Receives a Progress Survey?
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Instructors teaching full semester, 8WK1, 8WK2 undergraduate courses (excluding CLAW, CMED, CREG, and CVTMD).
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Course components including Discussion, Field Study, Lab, Private Lessons, Lecture/Standard, and Studio (as indicated in myZou).
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Instructors will be notified by email if their course is included. Instructors can also check with their department chair, Academic Dean, or by emailing muconnectsupport@missouri.edu.
Instructor Tips for Completing the Survey and Raising Alerts
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Start early: You can save your progress and finish later.
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Be specific: “Missed first two lab reports” is way more helpful for effective follow-up than “Falling behind.”
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Use flags and kudos: Recognizing effort matters!
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Prioritize: Focus on students who need extra support.
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Don’t stress about perfection: Any info is better than no info.
FAQs
Q: What happens after I submit feedback?
A: Advisors and support staff review it and may reach out to students. They’ll handle the outreach, but you’re welcome to follow up.
Q: Do students see my comments?
A: Yes, as part of a larger email.
Q: What if I miss the survey window?
A: You can still raise alerts using the My Students and Zoom In tabs.
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