Early alert feedback dates for 2013 Early alert feedback dates for 2013

Academic early alert is now part of Wichita State's "Quality Initiative" for Higher Learning Commission reaccreditation. The tool we use to gather early alert feedback from instructors is called GradesFirst. The idea is to intervene with students who may be struggling as soon as possible, so as to give them the best chance of having a successful semester.

Each college assigns staff and faculty who reach out to its students who are flagged by instructors as being at risk of failing a course. The assigned faculty and staff take a positive, proactive approach in helping students diagnose and resolve whatever issues may be preventing their success.

Recent studies indicate that early alert programs are most effective when they are conducted early in the semester. Emerging best practice is to request instructor feedback on student performance in the second or third week of the semester.

In the spirit of this best practice, in spring 2013, the GradesFirst early alert campaign at Wichita State will accept instructor feedback on students between Monday, Feb. 11, and Friday, Feb. 22, (up to the end of the fifth week).

In fall 2013, the feedback period will be Tuesday, Sept. 3, to Friday, Sept. 13 (up to the end of the fourth week).

Instructor participation in the early alert program is very much appreciated and will help our institution reach its goals relating to student success. Note that several groups are now using GradesFirst to do grade checks throughout the semester, in addition to the early alert program.

Questions about GradesFirst may be directed to william.vanderburgh@wichita.edu or 978-3379.