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Outreach and documentation to follow-up with students based on academic early alert information and other attributes is a critical component to the early alert process at Mizzou. Instructors provide valuable insight into the student behavior and academic performance that can indicate a student is struggling or doing well. Documenting interactions helps us evaluate action taken and impact of the process on student success.
Using MU Connect, review the students' flag(s) and instructor comments to personalize outreach conversations. Outreach to students to offer support, resources and/or referrals to other offices. Document messages sent, outcome of conversation, or no response as a comment or flag resolution comment in MU Connect.
Intro email prior to phone call (if desired)
Subject: Checking In: Reaching Out Soon
Hi {student.first_name},
My name is {staff.name}, and I'm {relationship to student}.
I'm reaching out because we received information suggesting you may be experiencing some challenges or could benefit from additional support. College can bring a lot of transitions and demands, and it's common to need help along the way.
I'll be giving you a call in the next few days to check in, learn a little more about how things are going, and see if there are resources or connections that might be helpful.
If you'd prefer to schedule a specific time to talk, or if email is easier for you, feel free to reply to this message.
We're glad you're here and look forward to connecting with you.
Best,
{Name & Unit Signature}
Voice mail script
Hi {student.first_name}, this is {staff.name} at Mizzou.
I'm reaching out because we received information that you may be experiencing some challenges or could benefit from additional support this semester.
I wanted to check in, learn how things are going, and see if there are any resources or connections that might be helpful.
When you have a chance, please give me a call at {staff.phone} or reply to the email I sent.
Again, this is {staff.name} at Mizzou. I look forward to connecting with you.
Have a great day.
Phone Script
Hi {student.first_name}, this is {staff.name and position} from Mizzou. Do you have a few minutes to talk?
Great! Thanks for taking my call.
I'm reaching out because we received an early alert from your instructor indicating that you may be experiencing some challenges or could benefit from additional support this semester. My role is to check in, learn how things are going, and help connect students with resources when needed.
I want you to know that needing support is common, and we're here to help you be successful.
Conversation
I'd love to hear a little more about how things are going.
- How has the start of the semester been for you so far?
- What's been contributing most to those feelings of being overwhelmed or nervous?
- Is there a particular area where you'd like some support right now?
Resource Exploration
Based on what you've shared, I think a few resources might be helpful:
- Academic Support/Tutoring
- Academic Advising
- Financial Aid Assistance
- Academic Coaching
- Counseling and Wellness Resources
Would you like me to help connect you with any of those resources?
Closing
Thank you for taking the time to talk with me today, {student.first_name}. I'll send a follow-up email with the resources we discussed and my contact information so you can easily reach me if you need anything.
If the Student Says They're Doing Fine Now
That's great to hear. I'm glad things are starting to feel more manageable.
I still wanted to introduce myself and make sure you know where to turn if anything comes up during the semester.
I'll send a quick email with my contact information and some helpful resources. If you ever have questions or need support, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Thanks for your time, and I hope you have a great semester!
Email follow-up to phone conversation
Email follow-up to phone conversation:
Subject: Good to talk with you today
Hi {student.first_name},
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. I appreciate you sharing a little about how your semester is going so far. I'm glad we had the opportunity to connect.
As a reminder, here are the resources we discussed:
- {resource_1}
- {resource_2}
- {resource_3}
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if there's anything I can do to help. Our goal is to make sure you feel supported and connected throughout the semester.
I look forward to hearing how things progress, and I wish you continued success this term.
Best,
{Name & Unit Signature}
Email outreach template
Subject: Checking In
Hi {student.first_name},
My name is {staff.name}, and I'm part of the student support team at Mizzou.
I'm reaching out because we received an early alert and wanted to check in. Sometimes a conversation can help identify resources, answer questions, or simply provide a connection point as you navigate the semester.
If you'd like to talk, just reply to this email, and we'll find a time to connect.
We're here to support you and look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
{{Name & Unit Signature}}