Eastern Illinois University is committed to helping students succeed and persist toward graduation. The Academic Alert System (AAS) was developed to help identify students who may be experiencing academic difficulties early in the semester so they can be connected with appropriate support resources.

The Academic Alert System is part of EIU’s broader student success and retention efforts, which also include outreach to students experiencing academic challenges, registration issues, or other barriers that may impact their progress.

Any instructor may submit an alert through the system. Faculty teaching 1000- and 2000-level courses are especially encouraged to participate, since early intervention can have a significant impact on student success.

Faculty can access the Academic Alert System through PAWS, using the same area where course rosters and grades are managed.

Alerts may be submitted for concerns such as:

• Excessive absences
• Missing or incomplete assignments
• Low grades or poor academic performance
• Other course-related concerns

Faculty may select multiple concerns for the same student if appropriate. Comments are optional but encouraged, as they can provide helpful context for support staff.

Once an alert is submitted:

• The student receives an email notification
• Staff working with the Early Alert System are notified
• Outreach and support efforts begin

Submitting an alert does not require instructors to modify attendance policies, accept late work, or change course expectations. The system is intended to connect students with support and encourage conversations about academic success.

The student will receive an email notifying them that an alert has been submitted. Faculty will also receive a confirmation email.

Depending on the situation, staff members, graduate interns, peer mentors, or other support personnel may contact the student by email, phone, or in person to discuss available resources and next steps.

Students may also be referred to additional campus support services.

Yes. Students are informed of the course connected to the alert and understand that the concern came from their instructor.

Faculty are encouraged to submit alerts as early as concerns arise, ideally within the first 2 weeks of the semester. Early intervention gives students the best opportunity to improve before problems become more serious.

The appropriate timing may depend on the course format and meeting schedule. For example:

• In a once-a-week course, a single absence may be concerning
• In courses that meet multiple times per week, several absences may indicate a problem

Faculty may choose to speak with students directly before submitting an alert, particularly for isolated issues. However, alerts are encouraged when concerns become ongoing or when multiple issues are present.

If a student has not attended a traditional course by the 5th day of the semester and has not contacted the instructor, the department chair should be notified so an administrative drop may be considered.

If the student has never attended and it is after the 5th day of the semester, faculty should email registra@eiu.edu to notify the Office of the Registrar.

Yes. Multiple alerts may be submitted throughout the semester if concerns continue or new issues arise. Continued outreach can help connect students with the support they need at different points in the semester.

Eastern Illinois University wants students to succeed and connect them with the support they need to stay on track academically and graduate.

The Academic Alert System helps identify students who may be struggling with attendance, assignments, or other academic challenges so the University can reach out early and offer support. The goal is not to punish students. It’s about making sure you know about the resources and people available.

The Academic Alert System is not a punishment, it is an invitation to academic support from peers and professionals uniquely situated to raise the floor for your success.

Instructors can submit an alert through their course roster in PAWS if they are concerned about a student’s attendance, academic performance, or participation in class.

If an instructor submits an alert, you will receive an email in your EIU email account explaining the concern and identifying the course involved.

Depending on the situation, someone from the Academic Alert System team may reach out to check in and help connect you with campus resources.

• If you live in the residence halls and have been missing class, your RA may contact you.
• If you commute to campus, a peer mentor may reach out.
• If you are struggling with assignments or coursework, a graduate intern or support staff member may contact you.

The purpose of this outreach is to help you get back on track as early as possible.

Yes. The email you receive will explain why the alert was submitted and identify the course involved.

An instructor may submit an alert at any point during the semester. Alerts are often submitted when students miss classes, miss assignments, or struggle on exams, papers, or other coursework.

Yes. If concerns are reported in more than one course, you may receive multiple alerts during the semester.

EIU offers many resources to support students academically and personally.

For academic support, contact the Student Success Center. The SSC can help with:

• Tutoring
• Time management
• Study skills
• Test preparation
• Academic success strategies

For personal support, students can contact the Counseling Clinic for help with:

• Stress and anxiety
• Homesickness
• Personal challenges
• Mental health concerns
• Other life issues affecting academic success

Students are also encouraged to talk with their professors and academic advisors if they are having difficulties in a class.