Entering course alerts for Spring 2026
Posted: 2026-01-16 14:11:00 Expiration: 2026-01-23 14:11:00
Instructors are encouraged to use course alerts whenever a student is struggling and does not respond to outreach.
All instructional staff can enter course alerts for students in their classes. Entering course alerts early in the semester helps get struggling students back on track and increases the likelihood that students will successfully complete your course. You can enter a course alert at any time in the semester, and we encourage you to do so as soon as you notice a student who may be struggling. In response to your feedback, I will also send reminders at key points during the semester.
Course alerts work best when instructors follow this three-step process:
- Identify that a student is struggling.
- Send an email to the student to check in and see how you can help.
- Enter a course alert in Bison Advise if the student does not respond to you.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: When should I enter a course alert for a student?
A: Anytime during the semester! The earlier the better!
Q: Will I be asked to enter course alerts and midterm grades?
A: No. We are choosing to focus on course alerts because they help us engage students who need additional support earlier in the semester. One of our reminders to issue course alerts will come at the halfway point in the semester, but you will not be asked to submit midterm grades. We encourage you to keep grades up to date on Blackboard, so students know their standing in your course(s).
Q: I have a large class and don’t take attendance. How can I identify if a student may be struggling?
A: This can be challenging! Here are a few tips:
- Check first test scores – who is under the average and might need outreach?
- Check polling software or other means of tracking class participation – do you notice repeated absences?
- Check last login to Blackboard via the Grade Center – is there anyone who hasn’t logged in yet or not logged in for a while?
Q: What happens after I enter a course alert?
A: Once the alert is entered, it will be assigned to the student’s academic advisor to do outreach. Advisors will make three attempts to reach the student: first by email, then by phone, and finally by text.
Q: What does it mean when an alert is “resolved”?
A: A “resolved” alert means that the advisor was able to talk to the student and come up with a plan OR that the advisor has closed the alert after three attempts to reach the student. “Resolved” does not mean fixed; it means that there were attempts made to help the student. The advisor will add detailed notes regarding the resolution to Bison Advise, so the instructor is aware of the outcome.
Instructor Resources
For more information on entering and resolving course alerts, go to this website.
If you cannot log in to Bison Advise, please let us know via this link.
Contact Jessie Bauer with questions.
-- Academic Affairs: Kristi Steinmann