When to use Early Alert
Faculty and staff are encouraged to use Early Alert when they are concerned about a student’s wellbeing or academic performance.
Concerning behaviour might include:
- Marked decrease in academic performance
- Marked change in mood or behaviour
- The student appears unusually withdrawn or distracted
- Any other behaviour that indicates the student might be facing difficulties. Learn more.
Concerned about a student?
When appropriate, reach out directly if you notice a student might need assistance, and refer them to on-campus resources.
In addition, identify your concerns through Early Alert to enhance your support. Faculty and staff can access the easy-to-use, web-based Early Alert form by clicking the button below and using CWL credentials to log in:
Faculty and staff
Submit an Early Alert concern 
After a concern is submitted
Trained advisors review and coordinate information sent to Early Alert by faculty and staff. The severity and nature of a student concern will determine whether that concern will be identified for response.
If it’s determined that a student may need assistance, an advisor will contact them by phone or email. They will discuss the concern with the student and offer to connect them with relevant resources and support, which may include academic advising, financial advising, counselling, health services or other appropriate resource.
For undergraduate students, the advisor who reaches out to the student will typically be an academic advisor.
Graduate students will receive support from a staff or faculty advisor who is not directly involved with their academic supervision.
Learn more about how Early Alert works.
How to talk to students about Early Alert
When reaching out, let the student know that you will be using Early Alert to support their academic and personal success.
Faculty can also introduce Early Alert information in the course syllabus. This information below is adapted from what other institutions are using in their course syllabuses:
Early Alert
During the term, I will do my best to reach out and offer support If I am concerned about your academic performance or wellbeing. I also encourage you to come and speak with me if you need assistance.
In addition, I may identify my concerns using Early Alert. The program allows academic, financial, or mental health concerns to be identified sooner and responded to in a more coordinated way. This provides you with the earliest possible connection to resources like academic advising, financial advising, counselling, or other resources and support to help you get back on track.
The information is treated confidentially and is sent because I care about your academic success and wellbeing. For more information, please visit earlyalert.ubc.ca.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about Early Alert for faculty and staff.
Downloads and resources for faculty and staff
Access downloads and resources to help you communicate about Early Alert with students.